Teflex is the name given to the non stick sheets which are in fact flexible Teflon or PTFE. According to wise GEEK at http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-ptfe.htm Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a synthetic material accidentally invented in the late 1930s while a chemist was endeavoring to develop a new type of perfluorethylene-based refrigerant. Rather than achieving a chlorofluorocarbon, the scientist was surprised to find that the perfluorethylene used in the process reacted with the iron content of its container and polymerized under pressure. Less than a decade later, this new material was being distributed on a commercial scale and was eventually patented under the name Teflon®. However, it would be another 20 years before PTFE would hit the frying and become known as the first non-stick coating for cookware. In fact, this material was used for a variety of other purposes at first.
At http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floride PTFE is often used to coat non-stick frying pans as it is not water-wettable and possesses high heat resistance.
Fluoropolymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene, Teflon®, are used as chemically inert and biocompatible materials for a variety of applications, including as surgical implants such as coronary bypass grafts, and a replacement for soft tissue in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. These compounds are also commonly used as non-stick surfaces in cookware and bakeware, and the fluoropolymer fabric Gore-Tex used in breathable garments for outdoor use.
Given that the only real Red Flag that has been raised in the use of PTFE with food has been with cookware would make one think that high heat would be the cause of any chemical, perfluorochemical (PFC) emissions that may leach into the food.
I’ve seen several post at Dr Mercola on the topic http://www.mercola.com/article/teflon/index.htm and he says without heat it seems to be OK.
He is now recommending a xtrema ceramic cookware. http://cookware.mercola.com/Cookware.aspx
So is the Teflex Sheet OK at Live Food temps? I am working on an answer for you. If you got info on this I would love to hear from you!
This has been the question on my mind since I bought my dehydrator. I will not touch teflon with a ten foot pole!
I have seen, and am looking into, silicone sheets for my Excalibur. Currently, I just cut natural parchment baking paper sheets to fit when I am making something with a high liquid content.
Jessica
Posted by: Jessica | February 03, 2011 at 08:21 AM