non stick questions & answers

Hi Andrew

Your report on frying pans was very useful. I have a few further questions you might be able to answer for me?

Firstly my mum’s last frying pan started to lose its non-stick coating so she threw it away and bought a stainless steel one but now I am considering buying a very good non-stick frying pan. If a frying pan loses its non-stick coating does that mean we have eaten it with our food and is it in any way harmful?

Secondly I have read on the web that professional chefs in restaurants etc do not use non-stick frying pans. Do you know the reasons why they don’t use non stick pans? Which branded/types of frying pans do professional chefs use? Also is it ok to boil food (vegetables etc) in non stick pans.

Thank you for your help,
Ray