Are Camphor Laurel Chopping Boards Safe?

A customer asked the other day if Camphor Laurel chopping boards were safe for use with food. She said she had read on the internet that Camphor Laurel can be dangerous.

There is no doubt that camphor laurel, like eucalyptus or peanuts, can, be the cause of of individual allergies, and the use of refined camphor oil does require considerable caution.

However, even the most ardent opponents of camphor laurel don't usually claim processed boards are dangerous.

Our supplier quotes a 2002 report about camphor laurel boards which had this to say:

"there is no evidence to suggest that food contact with Camphor laurel wood (particularly after curing) would produce any adverse effects.

There is no guarantee, as there cannot be with any substance, that a particular individual will not be allergic to any of the chemicals in timber, but most of them commonly occur in foods & confectionery."

The report contains references to a number of the natural chemicals which are found not only in found in Camphor Laurel but in Eucalyptus oil, sassafras, nutmeg, star anise, cinnamon, cacao, lavender and black pepper.

Together these compounds combine to deliver great anti-bacterial properties plus a semi-hard board which is kind to knives and not susceptible to knife gouges which can harbour bacteria.

I have read quite a lot about camphor laurel over the past 2 years and I have never seen a credible claim (as opposed to "a friend of a friend") or any evidence that these natural boards are anything other than a magnificent, natural product.

Our boards are not raw timber, and have been kiln dried so they are quite inert.