Is Linseed Oil Food Safe? A Guide to Navigating the Facts

Last Updated on January 1, 2024 by Ernest Godia

Linseed oil, also known as flaxseed oil, has found its way into both kitchens and workshops. But when it comes to human consumption, the answer to “Is linseed oil food safe?” isn’t as straightforward as you might think. 

Linseed oil boasts water-repelling properties and leaves a beautiful luster on wood surfaces where it is applied, making it a favorite choice for woodworkers. But can you use it to finish wood surfaces that come into direct contact with food, such as bowls and kitchen countertops? 

Let’s untangle the facts and separate the edible from the industrial in this detailed write-up. 

Is Linseed Oil Food Safe?

Linseed oil, also known as flaxseed oil, is indeed food-safe in its raw form. The oil is sometimes used as a dietary supplement due to its high content of omega-3 fatty acids. However, boiled linseed oil is not safe for human consumption because it is heated and treated with chemicals, making it toxic to humans. 

Woodworkers love linseed oil for its luster and water-repelling properties on wooden surfaces. However, the use of raw or boiled linseed oil on surfaces that come into direct contact with food is not recommended due to the following reasons:  

  1. Though safe for human consumption, raw linseed oil can turn rancid over time and may contain impurities unsuitable for consumption. 
  2. Boiled linseed oil, which contains additives for faster drying, is generally not considered food-safe due to the chemical preservatives added to its formula.

For surfaces that will have contact with food, it’s advisable to use food-grade mineral oil or specially formulated food-safe finishes to ensure safety. 

If you’re specifically seeking food-safe oil for surfaces that come into contact with food, consider oils like walnut oil or pure tung oil, sometimes used for cutting boards, wooden utensils, or countertops.

More importantly, always check product labels and descriptions to ensure that the oil you’re using explicitly states it’s safe for food contact if that’s your intended use.

Types Of Food-Safe Linseed Oil

There are two types of linseed oil: raw linseed oil and boiled linseed oil. Their food safety varies:

Raw linseed oil, also known as flaxseed oil, is generally considered safe for consumption in small amounts. It’s a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lignans, which have various health benefits. You can find it in grocery stores and health food stores, often sold as a dietary supplement.

Boiled linseed oil is not safe for consumption. It’s treated with chemicals, such as metallic driers, to help it dry faster, making it toxic for humans. Boiled linseed oil is primarily used for wood finishing and should not be ingested.

Best food-safe linseed oil—Zatural Flaxseed Oil

is linseed oil food safe? An image of food-safe raw linseed oil

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Zatural Flaxseed Oil is top in the list of food-safe linseed oil options on the market. It consists of 100 percent pure flax seed oil and no additives or fillers. It is also cold-pressed and unrefined, making it a safe dietary option.

However, can you use this food-safe linseed oil to finish wood? The label “flax seed oil” is typically used for food-grade oil that is sold in health food stores as an edible product. That is the case with Zatural Flaxseed Oil.

Pure linseed oil like this one still has its luster and water-repelling properties, making it safe for treating wooden ware for food contact. However, we do not recommend using Zatural Flaxseed Oil for wood finishing.

As already pointed out, such raw linseed oil can turn rancid over time, making it harmful for human consumption. The oil may be safe for food contact for some time but may eventually become unsafe once it turns rancid.  

Best boiled linseed oil—Everbuild Boiled Linseed Oil

A photo of the best boiled linseed oil for wood finishing.

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This product from Everbuild is a traditional wood treatment that does an excellent job of restoring the natural sheen in aged wood surfaces. 

Because the product has chemical additives in its formula, it dries much faster than raw linseed oil. This chemical and heat treatment also makes it unsafe for ingestion. Therefore, do not use it on wood surfaces that come into direct contact with food, such as cutting boards. 

Everbuild boiled linseed oil works on most unpolished timbers, so you should be free to apply it on any wood surface. 

Food-Safe Linseed Oil Safety Tips

  • Examine the label: Always check the product label carefully. Linseed oil labeled “food-grade” or “cold-pressed” is safe for consumption. Avoid anything labeled “boiled” or intended for non-food applications.
  • Trusted sources: Purchase food-grade linseed oil from reputable health food stores or supermarkets. Opt for organic brands to minimize exposure to pesticides.
  • Storage matters: Store your linseed oil in a cool, dark place to prevent rancidity. Once opened, use it within a few months.

Boiled Linseed Oil Alternatives 

If you’re looking for a food-safe finishing oil for cutting boards or other kitchenware, consider these alternatives:

  • Mineral oil: This is a petroleum-based oil that is safe for wood contact but not for consumption.
  • Walnut oil: It is a plant-based oil with a nutty flavor, but be mindful of nut allergies when using it.
  • Tung oil: It is derived from the tung tree. The oil is highly water-resistant but can be expensive.

Is boiled linseed oil food safe?

No, boiled linseed oil is not food-safe. It is treated with metallic drying agents, often containing lead or manganese, which can be harmful if ingested. These additives are added to speed up the drying time for wood finishing and other industrial applications, but they make the oil toxic for human consumption.

Here’s a breakdown of why boiled linseed oil is not safe to eat:

  • Toxic additives: As mentioned before, the metallic drying agents present in boiled linseed oil are not suitable for consumption and can cause health problems like nausea, vomiting, and even organ damage.
  • Misleading name: The term “boiled” doesn’t necessarily indicate just heat treatment. In the case of boiled linseed oil, it refers to the addition of toxic chemicals.
  • Not intended for food contact: Boiled linseed oil is designed for industrial purposes like wood finishing, not for food preparation or consumption.

Is boiled linseed oil food safe when dry

Even when dry, boiled linseed oil is not considered food-safe. Here’s why:

  • Residual additives: Even after drying, residual traces of the metallic drying agents like lead or manganese can remain in the oil film. These metals can leach into food over time, posing a health risk.
  • Uncertain long-term effects: The long-term effects of ingesting small amounts of these metals through dried, boiled linseed oil are not fully understood, but potential risks include neurological damage, developmental delays, and organ damage.
  • No official regulations: Boiled linseed oil is not approved for food contact by official regulatory bodies like the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, using it on surfaces that come into direct contact with food is not recommended.

While some sources might suggest a minimal risk after complete drying, the potential health hazards still remain. Therefore, avoid using boiled linseed oil, even when dry, on surfaces that will come into contact with food. 

Instead, go for safer alternatives to protect your health and enjoy your meals with confidence.

Is raw linseed oil food safe?

Yes, raw linseed oil, also known as flaxseed oil, is generally considered food-safe and even has some health benefits. It is rich in plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. 

The oil also contains lignans, which are antioxidants with potential health benefits like reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease.

However, using raw linseed oil to finish wood surfaces that come into direct contact with food is not recommended because it can turn rancid over time and may contain impurities unsuitable for consumption.

Is pure linseed oil food safe?

Yes, pure linseed oil is food safe, provided it’s cold-pressed (extracted without using heat or harmful chemicals, preserving its purity and nutritional value), unrefined (hasn’t undergone any processing that could remove beneficial nutrients or introduce unwanted additives), and labeled “food-grade” to ensure the oil meets safety standards for human consumption.

Is refined linseed oil food safe?

No, refined linseed oil is not food-safe because the refining process could potentially remove beneficial nutrients or introduce unwanted additives likely to be harmful when consumed by humans.

Is painter linseed oil food safe?

No, painter’s linseed oil is not food-safe, even though it may be derived from the same flaxseeds as the edible kind. It contains harmful additives like metallic drying agents (often lead or cobalt) to speed up drying time. These chemicals can be harmful if ingested, causing nausea, vomiting, and even organ damage.

FAQs About Food-Safe Linseed Oil

Can you eat linseed oil?

Yes, but only if it’s food-grade linseed oil, also known as flaxseed oil. This type of oil is cold-pressed and unrefined, meaning it’s extracted from flaxseeds without using heat or harmful chemicals. It’s a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, and other nutrients that can benefit your health.

What is boiled linseed oil?

Boiled linseed oil is treated with metallic drying agents, like lead or manganese, to make it dry faster for wood finishing and other industrial applications. Boiled linseed oil is NOT food-safe and can be toxic if ingested.

How can I tell if linseed oil is food-safe?

Look for the label: Food-grade linseed oil will be labeled as “cold-pressed,” “unrefined,” or “food-grade.” Avoid anything labeled “boiled” or intended for non-food applications. More importantly, always choose reputable brands known for their high-quality, food-grade linseed oil.

What are the health benefits of food-grade linseed oil?

Food-grade linseed oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids essential for heart health and brain function and reduces inflammation. It is also a good source of lignans (antioxidants with potential benefits like reducing cancer and heart disease risks). The oil may aid digestion due to its high fiber content likely to promote gut health.

How should I store food-grade linseed oil?

Store food-safe linseed oil by keeping it in a cool, dark place, preferably in the refrigerator after opening. The oil can go rancid, developing an unpleasant odor and losing its nutritional value, so it’s best to use it within a few months of opening.

What are some safe alternatives to boiled linseed oil for wood finishing?

Some of the food-safe linseed oil alternatives for wood finishing include food-grade mineral oil, walnut oil (a natural oil with a nutty flavor, suitable for cutting boards and other kitchenware), and Tung oil (a durable and water-resistant oil derived from the tung tree). 

Final Thoughts: Is Linseed Oil Food Safe

Raw linseed oil offers a healthy dose of omega-3s and adds a nutty flavor to your diet. However, it’s essential to distinguish it from the toxic boiled variety. By knowing the differences, choosing trusted sources, and opting for safe alternatives where needed, you can reap the benefits of food-safe linseed oil without compromising your health.

I hope this article clarifies the grey areas around food-safe linseed oil in woodworking and helps you make informed choices. Remember, when in doubt, stick to food-grade products certified for use on wood surfaces that come in direct contact with food. 

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