Legal Battle in Minnesota Over Non-Stick Cookware Heats Up

A new year brings new laws, and one new law in Minnesota has just started a huge legal battle for the future of non-stick cookware in the state.

The new legislation, called "Amara's Law," is named in honor of Amara Strande, who tragically passed away from a rare liver cancer linked to exposure to PFAS chemicals produced by a 3M plant that was located near her home.

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Minnesota's 3M Invented "Forever Chemicals"

PFAS, or more commonly known as "forever chemicals", are found in many products from carpet to cosmetics and now thanks to the new law, many of the products that contain PFAS are banned in Minnesota as of the New Year.

One of the biggest industries this new law will affect is non-stick cookware, and makers of these products are fighting back with a new lawsuit against the state.

Why Non-Stick Cookware Makers are Suing Minnesota

The lawsuit, brought by The Cookware Sustainability Alliance, claims that the new law is unconstitutional. They say that the new law is too disruptive to interstate commerce and that their non-stick cookware is safe for the public.

In response, Minnesota's Assistant Attorney General Oliver Larson filled a motion with the court to have the lawsuit dismissed and called the legal action "ill-founded".

The Cookware Sustainability Alliance says that its members have already suffered a significant finical loss because of the law, they estimate that their members have lost over $5 million since September from cancelled and non-renewing orders.

The lawsuit says that Cookware Sustainability Alliance members make 57% of the non-stick cookware products sold in Minnesota.

What Other Products Are Impacted by Minnesota's New Law?

Minnesota's ban on products with intentionally added PFAS includes these 11 categories:

• Carpets and rugs
• Cleaning products
• Cookware
• Cosmetics
• Dental floss
• Fabric treatments
• Products designed or marketed for use by children under 12 years old (excluding electronics or adult mattresses)
• Menstruation products
• Textile furnishings
• Ski wax
• Upholstered furniture