Enamel-coated iron cookware is considered safe, according to the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. The lines of cookware imported from abroad must meet the FDA safety standards. The importation of cookware that contains the potentially toxic substance cadmium in their glazes is prohibited.

Is enamel coating toxic?

In essence, enamel is a form of glass. Enameled cookware is most often cast iron with an enamel coating. I feel that this type of cookware is completely non-toxic and wonderful to cook with. Some people have worried about lead in the enamel cookware, since the enamel coating is often made of clay, which can leach lead.

Is scratched enamel cookware safe?

The standard advice from most cookware companies is that pots and pans with chipped enamel are unsafe and shouldn't be used.