BEUC: Silicone bakeware can add unwanted substances to cookies and cakes, consumer groups find

A joint study by 10 members of BEUC (The European Consumer Organisation) suggests that silicone cookware may be contaminating our baking with unwanted chemicals. Silicone is a popular material for baking due to its non-stick properties and ability to withstand high temperatures.

Forty-four different silicone moulds from across the EU were tested. 23% of products tested either released contaminants in high amounts, or the level of contaminants released increased between tests, indicating the product was not suitable for repeated use. 82% of products were found to contain substances of concern, including suspected endocrine disruptors. Even though these were found at low levels they contribute to our overall exposure to multiple harmful chemicals from different sources, known as the cocktail effect. Unfortunately adverse impacts from a mixture of substances can be triggered even when each chemical is present at low concentrations.