From EUobserver · · 50s
Tefal Faces Legal Challenge Over Harmful Chemicals
French kitchenware giant Tefal faces legal action over toxic chemicals in products as EU health rules tighten.
In brief
French kitchenware giant Tefal faces legal action over toxic chemicals in products as EU health rules tighten. Environmental groups threaten to sue Tefal's parent company for failing to remove harmful PFAS chemicals from products by summer 2028. Originally reported by EUobserver.
Environmental Groups Threaten Lawsuit
Environmental NGOs ClientEarth, Générations Futures, and Notre Affaire à Tous threaten to sue Groupe SEB for failing to remove harmful chemicals from Tefal products.
“Environmental NGOs ClientEarth, Générations Futures and Notre Affaire à Tous say Groupe SEB should swap harmful chemicals in its products to existing alternatives, such as ceramic coating or cast iron, to limit harm to human health and the environment.”
Teflon Contains Harmful PFAS Chemicals
Teflon, used for non-stick coatings, contains PFAS polymers that break down slowly and are linked to cancer and harm to babies in the womb.
“The substance is one of the ‘PFAS’ polymers, often dubbed forever chemicals, because they break down very slowly, remaining in the environment and human body for a long time.”
EU Law Requires Action by 2028
An EU law will require companies to address environmental and human rights impacts by summer 2028, with Groupe SEB needing to phase out PFAS chemicals.
“Member states must implement national laws fulfilling the obligation by summer 2028.”
What it means
Environmental groups threaten to sue Tefal's parent company for failing to remove harmful PFAS chemicals from products by summer 2028.
