Washington State's Nonstick Cookware Rule: What It Means for Your Kitchen

David Clement, Policy Director at the Consumer Choice Center, discusses consumer advocacy issues related to food policy, chemical regulation, and healthcare access in a recent episode of the Health Policy Podcast. He highlights the implications of Washington State's proposed nonstick cookware regulations on consumer choice and affordability.

WASHINGTON — September 15, 2026 — David Clement of the Consumer Choice Center appeared on the Health Policy Podcast to discuss the impact of Washington State’s proposed regulations on nonstick cookware. The conversation addressed consumer advocacy, food policy, chemical regulation, and healthcare access.

Clement explained that the proposed Safer Products Rule in Washington State requires manufacturers to disclose the use of PFAS in cookware. He warned that increased compliance costs could lead to higher prices for consumers. “Whenever you lose a supplier and limit the availability of suppliers, you see prices go up because there's less competition,” Clement said.

Clement also referenced California's recent experience with similar regulations, noting that Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill aimed at banning PFAS in cookware due to concerns about affordability. “Gavin Newsom thought about the negative externalities and decided to scrap that bill,” he said. Clement emphasized the potential regressive nature of such regulations, stating, “It becomes very regressive very fast because it's the hardest cost increase for low-income Americans to absorb.”

The Consumer Choice Center is an international consumer advocacy group that promotes consumer choice and free markets across various sectors, including food, healthcare, and technology.

About the Health Policy Podcast

The Health Policy Podcast focuses on the intersection of health policy, economic growth, and infrastructure. It features discussions with experts on pressing health-related issues and their implications for society.