[Sca-cooks] Need advice/suggestion for counter top

[grizly]

-----Original Message-----
* * * * Lyse: There has been a study that wood is better then plastic in
germ
prevention. When I have time and remember, I'll look for the info. * * * * *

<<SNIP>>>
 Lyse: The question is, are they food safe? What chemicals if any have been
used on them or that they have been exposed too? Somewhat like landscaping
wood/rails and railroad ties. They contain some chemical (formaldehyde?)
that leeches into the soil over time and therefore is not recommended
for use in edible box gardens.  * * * * *


Studies have really gone back and forth for a couple of deciades as have
county/state health codes around the country. There really is a conflicting
body of reserach, hense the reference to the various orthodoxy out there.
One's canon is another's heresy in this topic.

As to question of safety, the material in railroad ties is creosote at
least,
and maybe others.  This material is not present in boxcar flooring that I
use.
The question as I present it is not whether it is foodsafe or not, but
rather what needs to be done to assure its food safety.  Certainly one
needs sand down beyond gouges and obvious soiling.  After, heavy synthetic
finish will be good for the more cautious . . . those who examine the wood
and find it suitable will go with less intense measures.  Mine will be
finished to hav ethe weathered, yet clean look, and have durable, food-
safe finish applied to seal the wood and protect food products.


niccolo difrancesco
(I don't cut meat on railroad ties . . . I prefer my tar, aldehydes
and other and naval stores to come from buring compressed, charred
sawdust/sand chunks.  Get more flavor that way)