Posted by Henry Levy on May 31, 1998 at 15:03:15:
In Reply to: Non-Toxic Finishes For Cutting Boards, Salad Bowls and Toys posted by Sam Allen on December 09, 1997 at 22:54:52:
: NON-TOXIC FINISHES FOR CUTTING BOARDS, SALAD BOWLS, AND TOYS
:
: There are several options for finishing a cutting board or anything that requires a non-toxic finish (toys for example).
: You can use a special cutting board oil or salad bowl finish. Behlens Salad Bowl Finish is one product that is safe for food contact after drying.
: Walnut oil is another option. It is a true drying oil that reacts with the air and hardens, it is available grocery stores or some mail order woodworking supply stores.
: Shellac is non-toxic when it is dry according to the A.F. Suter Co. (one of the world leaders in shellac production), in fact shellac is used by pharmaceutical companies as a pill coating and it is used in candy and fruit coatings.
: Pure Tung Oil is non toxic if it doesn't contain dryers or solvents. Don't use tung oil products that are mixtures containing toxic dryers dyes or solvents.
: Watco says its oils are safe for food or toy use after they've dried for 30 days
: Water-based polyurethanes are often non-toxic when dry check the label to make sure.
In Canada it is common to use Mineral oil for anything that has contact with food. It is edible (used as a laxitive) and does not go rancid as do most food oils