Stainless steel is one of the most widely used materials in cooking today. It combines durability, food safety, and cooking performance.
But for some people sensitive to metals, a question remains:
👉 Is it safe to use a stainless steel pan if you have allergies?
This article reviews the issue — with scientific evidence — thanks to the results of an LFGB certified laboratory test carried out on the stainless steel pans used by SAINE.
Stainless steel allergy: a rare but real phenomenon
Stainless steel is an alloy composed of iron, chromium and nickel .
It is this last element — nickel — that can trigger an allergic reaction in some very sensitive people.
In most cases, these are localized skin reactions (redness, itching), but not a toxic risk related to cooking.
It is also important to know that not all stainless steels contain the same amount of nickel :
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18/10 (or 304) stainless steel contains approximately 10% nickel, which gives it excellent corrosion resistance.
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18/0 stainless steel, also known as “ferritic”, does not contain nickel and is an ideal option for people with allergies.
👉 To learn more about the composition of stainless steel, see Stainless steel pan: danger or healthy alternative?
Certified scientific tests confirm the safety of our pans.
SAINE pans have been tested by the independent laboratory SHENZHEN ZTS TESTING SERVICE CO., LTD. , in accordance with European standards LFGB (Lebensmittel- und Futtermittelgesetzbuch) , the strictest German reference for food safety.
Report no. ZTS22092113TRS , dated September 26, 2022 , relates to a 22 cm pan .
Two types of analyses were carried out:
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Sensory test (smell and taste)
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Heavy metal migration test (ICP-MS analysis according to EN 13130-1:2004)
Sensory test results:
| Setting | Result obtained | Maximum allowed limit | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smell | 1.4 / 5 | ≤ 2.5 | Compliant — no perceptible odor |
| Taste | 1.6 / 5 | ≤ 2.5 | Compliant — no alteration in taste |
👉 These results prove that the pan does not release any metallic taste or smell into the food, even after heating.
Heavy metal migration test results:
| Item tested | Result (mg/kg) | Permissible limit (mg/kg) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni) | ND (not detected) | 0.02 | ✅ Compliant |
| Chrome (Cr) | ND | ND | ✅ Compliant |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ND | ND | ✅ Compliant |
| Lead (Pb) | ND | ND | ✅ Compliant |
| Mercury (Hg) | ND | ND | ✅ Compliant |
| Iron (Fe) | ND | 48 | ✅ Compliant |
| Copper (Cu) | ND | 5 | ✅ Compliant |
| Zinc (Zn) | ND | 5 | ✅ Compliant |
ND = Not detected means that the concentrations are below the laboratory's detection threshold — in other words, no heavy metal has migrated into the simulated food (tested at 100°C for 30 minutes in artificial food contact water).
👉 This official report therefore confirms that SAINE pans do not release any detectable metallic particles , including nickel, and are fully compliant with European LFGB requirements .
What do these results mean for people with allergies?
These tests scientifically demonstrate that:
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The stainless steel used by SAINE is stable, non-reactive and safe for cooking .
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No migration of metals (nickel, chromium, lead, cadmium, etc.) was detected, even at high temperature.
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Prolonged food contact does not present a risk of metallic transfer .
In other words, even sensitive people can safely use a HEALTHY stainless steel pan for normal cooking purposes (without prolonged skin contact with the raw metal).
👉 To delve deeper into the topic of food security, also read:
The dangers of stainless steel pans: myth or reality?
SAINE stoves: safety first
At SAINE , we exclusively select food-grade 304 stainless steel tested and validated according to LFGB standards.
Our stoves are free of chemical coatings , PFAS , and PTFE , and come with a lifetime guarantee.
Why they are ideal even in cases of sensitivity:
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No measurable nickel release
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Zero heavy metal migration
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No metallic odor or taste
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Materials certified safe for food contact
Discover our complete collection of stainless steel pans 💡 In addition, also check out:
Why a stainless steel pan is an ecological and responsible choice
In summary: stainless steel and allergies, a proven compatibility
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Nickel allergy is rare and primarily cutaneous.
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Food-grade stainless steel pans (like those from SAINE) do not release any detectable metal .
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The LFGB 2022 tests certify a total absence of heavy metal migration , guaranteeing 100% safe cooking.
👉 In conclusion: yes, you can use a stainless steel pan even if you have an allergy , provided that it is certified and made from high-quality stainless steel.
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