What exactly is “food-safe”?

When we say our finishing oil is food-grade safe, we mean it’s made from ingredients considered safe for use on surfaces that come into contact with food. It contains no toxic additives or harmful chemicals. Our formulation complies with U.S. FDA requirements (21 CFR 175.300) for coatings with indirect food contact—so you can condition and protect your butcher blocks, cutting boards, and wooden utensils with confidence.

Why food safety matters

Not all wood finishes are created equal. Many conventional finishes contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—chemicals that evaporate into the air as a finish dries or cures. Around food, VOCs can pose two problems:

1. Odor and taste transfer – VOCs can leave lingering smells or flavors that affect food prepared on the surface.
2. Health concerns – Some VOCs are linked to irritation or long-term health risks if they migrate into food or are inhaled during curing.

That’s why choosing a finish designed for food-contact surfaces is so important. Our oil contains no toxic solvents or harmful additives, and once cured it forms a safe, durable seal that won’t release unsafe substances into the air or onto your food. Our formulation complies with U.S. FDA requirements (21 CFR 175.300) for coatings with indirect food contact, so you can treat and protect your cutting boards, butcher blocks, and wooden utensils with confidence.

Food-safe products, including all Mahoney’s Finishes, are:

• Non-toxic – Contains no harmful solvents or chemicals.
• Odorless & flavorless – Won’t affect the taste or smell of food.
• Meets food-contact standards – Safe for butcher blocks, cutting boards, and kitchen utensils.
• Protects and conditions wood – Seals and nourishes without compromising safety.