On Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:33:49 GMT, Wayne Boatwright
> wrote:

>Why? There are oils on the market specifically made for use on butcher
>blocks and cutting boards. Most are mineral oil based.

without looking it up and putting it very unscientifically... it has
something to do with interfering with the bacterial fighting (wrong
word but that's all I'm coming up with) quality of wood. When you oil
the board, there is measurably more of the stuff you don't want on
treated surfaces than untreated surfaces. I'm not a big germophobe,
so I don't pay attention to those things and don't remember when or
where I last saw it - but it wasn't very long ago. AFAIC oil can be
saved for tables and serving boards, not work boards. My cutting
board is not a decorative item.


--
I never worry about diets. The only carrots that
interest me are the number of carats in a diamond.

Mae West