Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to providing controls on the use of the terms non-toxic and quasi-ceramic in cookware.

The Food Standards Agency recognises the importance of clear and accurate labelling in relation to food contact materials. Under the Materials and Articles in Contact with Food Regulations 2012, all materials intended for contact with food must be safe and must not transfer substances to food in quantities that could endanger human health. This requirement applies regardless of the terminology used in marketing.

The terms “non-toxic” and “quasi-ceramic” are not defined or recognised as official terms under current food contact materials regulations. There are no plans to introduce specific definitions for them. Their use is instead subject to general consumer protection laws, which prohibit false or misleading claims.