Danish Oil is a popular choice for wood finishing, leading many to wonder about its safety, especially in food-related environments. So, Is Danish Oil Food Safe? The answer is yes, Danish Oil is generally considered food safe once it has fully cured. It complies with regulations for articles that come into contact with food.
It can be safely applied to:
- Kitchen countertops
- Wooden bowls and plates
- Wooden cutlery
- Kitchen utensils
- Toys and other surfaces that children or pets might come into contact with.
Danish Oil and Food Safety: A Closer Look
When applied to wood, Danish Oil creates a durable and hard-wearing finish after drying. While it’s not advisable to ingest the liquid form, once it has been properly applied and allowed to dry completely, it becomes safe for contact with food.
For kitchen worktops, while Danish Oil can be used, a product specifically formulated for worktops, like Worktop Oil, might be a better option.
Danish Oil Composition Explained
Our Danish Oil is formulated using a blend of boiled linseed oil, varnish, and a solvent thinning agent. Some of these components might raise concerns about food safety. However, the curing process ensures that the volatile elements evaporate, rendering the final finish food-safe.
If you prefer a 100% natural option for your kitchen surfaces, consider using Tung Oil. Although it’s often more expensive than Worktop Oil or Danish Oil, Tung Oil is derived from the pressed nut of the tung tree, making it a completely natural product. However, it’s important to note that Tung Oil may not be suitable for individuals with nut allergies.
Danish Oil on Cutting Boards: Is It Recommended?
While Danish Oil can be used on chopping boards, we typically recommend our specialized Chopping Board Oil. While Danish Oil offers some protection, you’ll achieve superior long-term results with a dedicated chopping board oil.
Our Chopping Board Oil is food-grade, odorless, and tasteless, designed specifically for use on cutting boards.
Application of Food Safe Danish Oil on Worktops
Using Danish Oil to maintain kitchen worktops is a straightforward process. However, keep in mind our specialist Worktop Oil is also available and might be more ideal for kitchen surfaces.
Danish Oil Safety for Children and Pets
Many people are rightfully concerned about the safety of Danish Oil around children and pets who might lick treated surfaces. Similar to its use in food preparation areas, Danish Oil is perfectly safe for children and pets once it has completely dried.
Alternative Food Safe Oils
You might encounter recommendations for using vegetable oils as a food-safe alternative. However, vegetable oils are non-drying, meaning they won’t harden or provide adequate protection for the wood. They’ll remain sticky, attract dirt and bacteria, and eventually become rancid.
Other nut oils, such as Walnut Oil, are also potential options, similar to Tung Oil. However, the risk of nut allergies remains a concern.
In conclusion, when seeking a food-safe oil finish for your wooden surfaces, properly cured Danish Oil is a reliable and suitable choice.
