Tovolo · Silicone Cutting Mats & Prep Boards
Tovolo Elements Flexi Cutting Mats
Lower concern. Silicone mats unlikely to leach PFAS.
Tovolo Elements mats are silicone or rubber-based cutting surfaces with no reported PFAS treatment. No brand disclosure on PFAS, but the material itself carries lower concern than nonstick coatings.
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Material
Silicone or thermoplastic rubber
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Category baseline
cookware 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
Tovolo Elements Flexi Cutting Mats are made from food-grade silicone or silicone-blended thermoplastic rubber. Silicone is a synthetic polymer backbone (silicon-oxygen chains) that does not leach toxic additives like BPA or phthalates under normal use. The material is non-porous, chemically stable at typical kitchen temperatures, and resistant to degradation from cutting, washing, and food contact.
The brand's record and disclosure
Tovolo does not publicly disclose detailed material safety data, PFAS testing, or third-party certifications for this product line. The brand has no documented recalls or safety controversies on record for cutting mats. No evidence of transparency initiatives on manufacturing practices or supply chain oversight; this is typical for mid-market kitchenware brands and does not indicate a safety problem.
How it compares in its category
Silicone cutting mats are among the safest options in the cutting surface category, avoiding risks inherent to wood (bacterial harboring), plastic (BPA, phthalate leaching when worn), or rubber (heavy metals in colorants). Tovolo's flexi-mat design is comparable to OXO, Joseph Joseph, and Epicurean in material profile. Price and durability positioning suggest this is a standard consumer product without premium safety claims or certifications.
If you buy it
Wash before first use and after each use with warm soapy water. Silicone is heat-stable to approximately 400 degrees Fahrenheit but should not be used as a cooking surface directly on heat; use as a prep or cutting mat only. Replace if surface becomes tacky, sticky, or visibly worn (typically 2-5 years with normal care). Do not use abrasive scouring pads that can degrade the surface.
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.”
Coating degradation and microplastic shed
Silicone can slowly degrade with prolonged heat exposure, UV light, or aggressive cutting. Fine silicone particles may shed into food if the mat surface is deeply scored or cracked, though silicone itself is considered non-toxic if ingested in trace amounts.
Bacterial growth if unmaintained
Despite non-porous design, silicone can accumulate bacteria in crevices and seams if not dried thoroughly after washing. Proper air-drying and regular cleaning prevent pathogenic growth risk.
Heavy metals in colorants or fillers
No public data on cadmium, lead, or antimony in Tovolo mat dyes or additives. Food-grade silicone standards typically exclude these, but Tovolo provides no third-party testing documentation.
Leaching of uncrosslinked oligomers
Low-quality silicone can contain uncrosslinked oligomers that may migrate into fatty foods at high temperatures. Tovolo products meet FDA food-contact standards, but no independent verification is publicly available.
Odor or off-gassing
Silicone mats are not reported to emit formaldehyde or volatile organic compounds. Any initial odor typically dissipates within days of airing and does not indicate a safety hazard.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% 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.
Safer alternatives in Silicone Cutting Mats & Prep Boards
Silikomart
Silicone Grip Mat
silicone rubber grip mat, non-coated
Lower concern. Silicone grip mats rarely contain PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
Pyrex
Rockler Silicone Project Mat
silicone
Silicone project mat carries lower PFAS concern.
⚠Risky category by default
Pyrex
1, Size: 29cm/11.42 x 26cm/10.24 (Approx.)40cm/15.75 x 30cm/11.81 (Approx.)50cm/19.69 x 40cm/15.75 (Approx.)60cm/23.62 x
borosilicate glass
Lower concern. Pyrex glass cookware is borosilicate, inherently PFAS-free.
⚠Risky category by default
More silicone cutting mats & prep boards 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.