While the food may not directly touch the scratched non-stick surface when using it as a food steamer, it is still not recommended to use a scratched non-stick pan for this purpose. Here's why:
Degraded non-stick coating: Scratches on the non-stick surface can lead to the release of small particles or flakes of the coating into the food or the surrounding steam. These particles can potentially be ingested with the food, which may not be safe, especially if the non-stick coating contains potentially harmful chemicals.
Uneven heating: Scratches on the non-stick surface can cause uneven heating during the steaming process. This may result in some parts of the food being undercooked while others are overcooked, compromising the overall quality and safety of the dish.
Leaching of chemicals: Non-stick coatings are designed to be stable under specific cooking conditions, but scratches can disrupt this stability. If exposed to high heat during the steaming process, the scratched areas could potentially release chemicals into the steam, which could then come into contact with the food.
For these reasons, it is best to avoid using a scratched non-stick pan for any type of cooking, including steaming. Instead, consider using a different type of cookware that is specifically designed for steaming, such as a stainless steel or bamboo steamer. These options are safe and effective for steaming various types of food and will not present the same risks as using a scratched non-stick pan.