Question from guspvt
Hi Debra!
I’ve tossed my George Foreman Grill because of Teflon and now I’m looking for a substitute. I’m looking at some electric grills and I’ve found that the appliance I’m intending to buy, the grill itself went through the process of chrome plating. So, can i consider that the grill is stainless steel or is this chrome plating a different thing? If yes, is it safe if in contact with food?
Thanks!
Debra’s Answer
Chrome plating is NOT the same thing as stainless steel.
“Chrome” is chromium, which is electroplated on to another metal. Chromium is one of the basic elements found on the Periodic Table of Elements. It is a a steely-gray, lustrous, hard metal. It is mined as chromite ore. The toxicity of chromium varies according to it’s form. Trivalent chromium is actually required by our bodies in trace amounts for sugar metabolism (diabetics take it as a dietary supplement to lower blood sugar) and its deficiency may cause a disease called chromium deficiency. Hexavalent chromium, however, is very toxic and mutagenic when inhaled.
I have no reason to believe that chromium electroplated on to another metal would be release into food in any amounts that would be harmful to health. I’ve never read anything that indicates this is a danger.
