Is the Teflon that gets into food from scratches in non-sticking cookware a health risk?

While Teflon (PTFE, polytetrafluoroethylene) has been the subject of some safety concerns, such as potential toxicity issues related to chemicals used in its manufacturing process, these concerns have largely been addressed through regulations and advancements in production methods over the last several years. In its finished form, the non-stick coating itself is chemically inert and has not been found to pose health risks when used properly within recommended temperature ranges. Therefore, the amount of Teflon that might transfer to food from minor scratches, if any, is generally considered safe by regulatory agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). However, it's worth noting that heavily damaged or older nonstick cookware with significant scratches should be replaced for reasons of quality and performance rather than potential health risks.