Posted by Sam Allen on December 09, 1997 at 22:54:52:
In Reply to: Marten oil posted by Roy C on December 08, 1997 at 18:37:43:
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.