NOM-225-SCFI-2019 is an Official Mexican Standard that establishes safety specifications and test methods for household utensils with non-stick coatings used forcooking food. The standard aims to ensure the safety of consumers by regulating the quality and performance of non-stick cookware, such as frying pans, pots, and baking trays, to prevent health risks from coating degradation or chemical leaching during use.
Scope and Applicability:
NOM-225-SCFI-2019 applies to new household utensils with non-stick coatings intended for cooking food, whether manufactured in Mexico or imported. These utensils are typically made from materials like aluminum, steel, or cast iron, with a non-stick layer (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE, or ceramic coatings) applied to the cooking surface. The standard covers products sold individually or as part of sets, focusing on their safety
under normal household cooking conditions. It does not apply to industrial cookware, utensils without non-stick coatings, or those not intended for direct food contact.
Key Requirements:
1. Safety Specifications:
- Coating Integrity: The non-stick layer must resist peeling, cracking, or flaking during use, ensuring no contamination of food.
- Thermal Resistance: The coating must withstand typical cooking temperatures (e.g., up to 260°C for PTFE-based coatings) without degrading or releasing harmful substances.
- Chemical Safety: Limits are set on the migration of substances (e.g., heavy metals like lead or cadmium) from the coating into food, protecting consumer health.
- Mechanical Durability: The coating must endure abrasion and scratching from common kitchen utensils (e.g., spatulas) to maintain its non-stick properties and safety.
- Handle Safety: If applicable, handles must be securely attached and heat-resistant to prevent burns or accidents.
2. Test Methods:
- Abrasion Resistance Test: Simulates wear using a standardized abrasive pad to assess coating durability.
- Thermal Stability Test: Exposes the utensil to high temperatures to verify the coating’s performance and safety.
- Chemical Migration Test: Measures the release of substances into food simulants (e.g., water, acetic acid) under controlled conditions, ensuring compliance with sanitary limits.
- Adhesion Test: Evaluates the bond between the non-stick coating and the base material to prevent delamination.
- Tests are based on Mexican standards (e.g., NMX series) and may reference international norms (e.g., ISO or ASTM) where applicable.
3. Labeling:
4. Compliance:
- Manufacturers or importers must obtain a certificate of conformity from an accredited certification body
- The NOM mark or certificate number must be displayed to indicate compliance.
Purpose and Enforcement:
NOM-225-SCFI-2019 protects consumers by ensuring that non-stick cookware is safe, durable, and free from hazardous substances under typical use. It addresses concerns about chemical leaching (e.g., from PTFE or its manufacturing byproducts like PFOA, if present) and physical degradation that could affect food safety. Enforcement is overseen by the Dirección General de Normas and PROFECO (Federal Consumer Protection Agency), with customs authorities verifying compliance for imports. Non-compliance—such as failing chemical migration tests or lacking proper labeling—can lead to fines, product seizure, or sales bans.