Is Rust On Cast Iron Safe? - Tasting Table
Briefly

The USDA states rust isn't food safe and should not be ingested, but small flakes are generally harmless unless one has hemochromatosis.
Rust on cast iron occurs commonly and if not addressed, can ultimately damage the iron itself; cleaning regularly is crucial for durability.
Scrubbing rust from cast iron with gentle dish soap is acceptable; this technique is better than past methods that used lye and vinegar.
To prevent rust from forming, it's essential to dry the cast iron thoroughly after cleaning, as water exposure is detrimental to iron.
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