LEM · Butcher Paper & Meat Wrapping
LEM 15" Freezer Paper Cutter
Lower concern. Bare metal tool with no coatings identified.
LEM 15 is a mechanical freezer paper cutter with stainless steel blade and metal housing. No coatings, nonstick finishes, or water-repellent treatments detected. Lower PFAS risk from material alone, though brand makes no PFAS disclosure.
Shop LEM on Amazon →Material
stainless steel blade, bare metal construction
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Uncoated safe material
Bare, uncoated material (cast iron, stainless, carbon steel, or glass) with no surface treatment to contain PFAS.
Category baseline
food packaging is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The LEM 15 is a manual freezer paper cutter built from stainless steel blade and bare metal housing. Stainless steel (typically 300-series alloys) does not leach nickel or chromium into food under normal non-immersion use as a cutting tool. The cutter does not contact food directly; it cuts through paper only, eliminating food transfer pathways that would require concern over metal dissolution.
The brand's record and disclosure
LEM Products (a US manufacturer of meat processing equipment) does not publish detailed material safety data sheets for this hand tool on public channels. The brand has no documented recalls or safety controversies specific to the LEM 15 cutter. Lack of proactive PFAS disclosure is typical for small metal tools but does not indicate hidden use; the bare-metal design suggests none was applied.
How it compares in its category
Freezer paper cutters are not a heavily regulated category. The LEM 15 is simpler and lower-risk than coated or plastic-handled alternatives, which may contain phthalates in grips or flame retardants. Most competitors are either similar bare-metal designs or plastic-bodied versions; this product avoids polymer hazards entirely.
If you buy it
Hand-wash with mild soap and dry immediately to prevent rust spotting on stainless steel. Do not immerse for prolonged periods or use in saltwater environments, as even stainless steel can pit. Store in a dry location and check for any coating damage (none expected) before each use. Replace only if blade becomes dull or handle cracks.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Stainless steel corrosion and nickel leaching
Stainless steel does not leach nickel or chromium under normal dry cutting use. Immersion in salt water or acidic liquids could theoretically promote corrosion, but this tool is not intended for such contact.
Coating or adhesive off-gassing
No coatings, enamels, or adhesives are identified on the LEM 15. The bare-metal construction eliminates common sources of VOCs or polymer hazards.
Blade degradation and metal particle shedding
With age and use, stainless steel blades may develop microscopic wear particles if the blade is stropped or sharpened improperly. This is unlikely to be a hazard if the cutter is only used for paper, but improper sharpening on abrasive stones could increase risk. Inspect the blade regularly for visible chips or roughness.
Food residue entrapment in joints
If the cutter is used to cut frozen food-contact paper in damp conditions, water and paper debris may accumulate in hinges or blade seams. Clean thoroughly after each use to prevent mold or bacterial growth in crevices.
Plastic handle or grip contamination
The LEM 15 is advertised as bare metal with no plastic handles. If a variant with plastic grips exists, inspect product documentation for phthalate or BPA disclosures before purchase.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 82% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
More butcher paper & meat wrapping grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.