I’m guessing the finish chipped from the store cleaning the pan aggressively, but poorly, given the recent sticker date. Is that unusual? Gonna refinish it myself this week, as long as this isn’t setting off anyone’s alarm bells.
Edit: gonna head to the hardware store for a lead test kit and magnets this weekend, unless someone can think of a better process. Thanks for the advice, all!
Cast iron is the most versatile, and it is really cheap. If you are dirt poor it is the best. I use mine all the time, but I fully agree, it is just a cooking pan, not a religion, nobody is going to hell for not using cast iron.