Compatability of white cedar with foodstuffs

[R. McCarthy]

I want to do a cutting board (end grain) and was wondering if the odd piece of white cedar would be safe to use - I know cedar can be be quite toxic but that's the question for you experts out there......

[Mike Busby]

I Googled it and came across this thread White Cedar [Archive] - Woodwork Forums (http://www.woodworkforums.com/archive/index.php/t-43211.html) in our very own forum about white cedar which has some info on toxic properties. I might have to look up CSIRO or somebody for the proper info though. Off for a lazy 45 minute stroll through umpteen timber websites - Bliss.

[Mike Busby]

Ouch :no:
Doesn't look too good so far.

Mostly they are talking about seeds/berries/leaves some vague reference to resins Melia azedarach - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melia_azedarach) being the common cause for poisioning. Nothing mentioined about potentially hazardous saw dust or use as a food bowl etc.

.

http://www.weeds.mangrovemountain.net/data/Melia%20azedarach%20-%20White%20cedar.pdf

(Extract from above website.)

Health and Production Problems;

. Milk taint from cut leaves.
. Recovery over several days, or death within 48 hours.

Treatment;

. None.
. Be aware of potential stock problems

[R. McCarthy]

Thanks for the respose Mike - might give that a miss methinks - I'll stick with the old Meranti and maybe relieve it with some Camphor Laurel - thanks for your interest in replying - much appreciated.......:2tsup:

[groeneaj]

If it's anything like Red cedar you might have found it very soft and easy to chip/mark especially if using it as a chopping board.

Andy

[pommyphil]

I've got a block of endgrain I've been useing to cut 50mm sanding discs, stands up to

a flogging no problems, but I don't eat the discs !