Are Your Kitchen Utensils Toxic? What I Discovered at Target
If you’ve ever assumed the kitchen utensils you buy are safe for cooking, you might want to think again. I recently went down a rabbit hole at Target and found something shocking — multiple kitchen utensils marketed under the 'Figmint' brand are being sold with misleading branding that makes them look eco-friendly and safe when, in reality, they contain harmful chemicals.
Why This is Concerning
We all want to make healthy, responsible choices, especially when it comes to items we use daily in our kitchens. But what if those so-called 'natural' or 'eco-friendly' utensils are actually loaded with chemicals meant for industrial use?
The Products I Found
These are all sold under the 'Figmint' brand at Target:
Acacia Wood Salad Serving Spoon Set:
Labeled as having the FSC certification, implying eco-friendly sourcing.
Contains Toluene, Xylenes, Ethyl Acetate — chemicals commonly used in paint thinners, adhesives, and solvents. This should not be anywhere near your food.
Silicone Turner:
Claims to be BPA-free, heat resistant up to 450°F, and dishwasher safe.
Contains Silica, which is generally safe, but labeling it as a chemical is confusing. Why mention it if it’s safe?
Stainless Steel Spoon:
Claims to be dishwasher safe.
Contains Chromium, Phosphorus, Nickel, Manganese. These are generally safe for most people, but can pose issues for those with metal allergies or concerns about heavy metal exposure.
Misleading 'Greenwashing' Marketing
One of the most concerning aspects of this discovery is the branding. The Figmint brand uses phrases like 'Acacia Wood' and FSC labeling to imply that their products are safe and environmentally friendly. But FSC certification only ensures responsible forest management, not chemical safety.
The clean, minimalist packaging with pastel colors and promises of being 'BPA-free' and 'Dishwasher Safe' is meant to appeal to conscious consumers. But what's hidden under that attractive branding is far from clean. It feels like a classic case of greenwashing, where companies mislead consumers by making them think a product is safe and eco-friendly when it’s not.
What These Chemicals Are and Why They Matter
Toluene: A solvent found in paint thinners, adhesives, and nail polish removers. Inhalation can cause dizziness, headaches, and neurological harm. (Source)
Xylenes: Commonly used in paints and varnishes. Exposure can lead to respiratory issues, dizziness, and even damage to the nervous system. (Source)
Ethyl Acetate: Used in glues, nail polish removers, and as a solvent for cleaning. While less harmful than others, it can still cause irritation and harm if ingested. (Source)
Silica (in silicone utensils): Generally considered safe but labeling it as a chemical adds confusion.
Metals (Chromium, Phosphorus, Nickel, Manganese): Usually safe in stainless steel products, but can be a concern for those with allergies or fears about heavy metal exposure.
Why Heat Makes Things Worse
Heating toxic kitchen utensils makes the problem much worse. When exposed to high heat, chemicals like Toluene, Xylenes, and Ethyl Acetate are more likely to release harmful particles or fumes that can end up in your food or the air you breathe. It’s especially dangerous when these items are stirred into hot soups, sauces, or used for cooking on a hot pan.
A Red Flag To Watch For
One big red flag that I look for is when a product says “Clean with a damp cloth.” To me, this means the item can’t tolerate hot water because that would release chemicals or denature proteins in the coating. It’s a sneaky way to keep you from realizing something is wrong. If you see this phrase, dig deeper!
Why Cheap Prices Aren’t Really Cheap
Sure, that $5 wooden spoon seems like a steal, but quality matters. A well-made wooden spatula can last decades, while a quality stainless steel pan can last a lifetime. Investing in durable tools means you save money and avoid the cycle of buying cheap, toxic replacements over and over. And when it comes to health, the true cost of cheap products is much higher.
What You Can Do About It
Read Labels Carefully: Just because something looks eco-friendly doesn’t mean it’s safe. Check for chemical warnings and research what they mean.
Opt for Proven Safe Materials: Look for pure stainless steel, untreated wood, and food-grade silicone with clear, verified labeling.
Raise Awareness: Share this information. Others deserve to know what’s being sold under the guise of 'eco-friendly' branding.
Demand Transparency: Retailers should be honest about what goes into their products. And yes, Target, that means you!
### ### Safer Alternatives
If you’re looking for non-toxic kitchen utensils that you can trust, here are some reputable brands to consider:
Earlywood Designs (Wooden Utensils): Handmade, high-quality hardwood utensils made without harmful coatings. Pure, untreated wood that is safe for cooking and lasts a lifetime.
Bambu (Bamboo Utensils): Made from sustainably harvested bamboo with natural food-safe finishing oils. Eco-friendly, durable, and safe for everyday use.
OXO Good Grips (Silicone Utensils): BPA-free, food-grade silicone with stainless steel handles. Dishwasher-safe and safe to use with non-stick cookware.
All-Clad (Stainless Steel Cookware): High-quality stainless steel cookware that lasts a lifetime. No harmful coatings, just pure stainless steel for safe cooking.
Viking Culinary (Stainless Steel Cookware): High-performance stainless steel pans and utensils built to last and safe for high-heat cooking.
Why Investing in Quality is Cheaper in the Long Run
Buying cheap kitchen utensils over and over ends up costing you more. High-quality tools last for years, sometimes even decades. Think about it: a good stainless steel pan or solid wood spoon can easily last 20+ years if cared for properly. Compare that to replacing cheap, toxic utensils every couple of years — not to mention the health risks. Investing in quality is investing in your health and your wallet.
Target, Are you listening?
Target, it’s time to do better. Consumers place their trust in your brand, believing the products sold in your stores are safe for their families. Marketing potentially toxic products as eco-friendly and kitchen-safe is misleading and harmful. You have the power to make better choices — will you step up and ensure your products truly meet safety standards? Your customers are watching.
Conclusion
It’s frustrating, shocking, and just plain wrong that this is happening. But knowledge is power, and the more we share, the more we can push companies to do better. I’ll be sharing more findings as I dig deeper. Stay tuned, and stay informed.
Would love to hear your thoughts! Have you found similar issues with products you thought were safe?
Transparency Note:
I want to be completely transparent about how this article was created. I use AI as a helpful tool to guide my research, organize my thoughts, and present my findings in a clear and structured way. However, I am responsible for the content and always cross-reference AI-generated information with credible, reliable sources. For this post, I used trusted resources such as the CDC to confirm the harmful effects of chemicals like Toluene, Xylenes, and Ethyl Acetate. The purpose of this article is to raise awareness, promote informed decision-making, and empower consumers to protect their health.