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Dear NH,
Is it safe to use linseed oil on wood surfaces that will come in contact with food? Does it inhibit or encourage bacteria growth?
SK
SK,
I do not recommend using linseed oil on food preparation surfaces. The reason is that it may contain a number of very nasty substances. To "quote a quote" from our article on linseed oil… http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infxtra/inflin.html.
"Use of this product will expose you to arsenic, beryllium, chromium, cadmium and nickel, which are known to cause cancer; and lead which is known to cause birth defects and other reproductive harm."
I think you will agree that this warning is unambiguous. Don’t use linseed oil on surfaces used for food unless it is certified safe for food preparation surfaces!