When it comes to cookware, aluminum is a popular choice due to its durability and affordability. However, with frequent use, your aluminum pans may start to show signs of wear and tear such as scratches in the surface. While this doesn't necessarily mean that the pan has been damaged beyond repair or no longer safe for cooking with, it's still important to consider whether scratched aluminum cookware is safe for regular use.
In general, most shallow scratches on anodized aluminum are considered relatively harmless; however deeper scratches can pose a risk of contamination if food particles become trapped within them. Therefore it’s best not to use scratched pans or other utensils that have deep gouges in them when preparing meals unless they've been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized first. Additionally, you should keep an eye out for any changes in color or texture on surfaces that have sustained scratches—these could be indications that bacteria has developed along the cut lines which could make them unsafe for cooking purposes.
Overall, while shallow scratches on anodized aluminum cookware are usually fine to use without any additional precautionary steps required —deep gouges should be avoided at all costs since they can harbor dangerous contaminants from previous uses even after cleaning as much as possible . It’s also worth noting that some manufacturers produce non-stick coatings specifically designed for scratch resistance so these might be worth considering if you're looking for something more durable than traditional cookware sets