Most of the items I make for the kitchen, such as bowls, rolling pins, spatulas, etc. are finished with food safe Walnut Oil.  Any of these items can safely be used in food preparation and serving.  If the items need washed, hand washing with light soap and water is the way to go. Dry them off right away. Don't put them in the dishwasher.

After time, the finish on your products will fade (just like your cutting boards do) but they can easily be rejuvenated with oil.  I prefer Walnut Oil which is available in your grocery store, another option is Mineral Oil.  A couple of drops rubbed into your bowl or utensil once in a while will ensure they last for generations. 

Some of the items I sell are finished with a lacquer or acrylic finish. While these too are food safe, they don't hold up to washing very well and are very difficult to refinish with any success. So these items should be use to hold things that can we wiped out with a dry cloth - bread, fruit, potpourri, or decorative items. 

So how can you tell?  Lacquers and acrylics are usually glossy and hard.  Oils tend to have more of a luster and a softer feel to them.  If it's a salad bowl, rolling pin, spatula, or other kitchen utensil I can guarantee I used Walnut Oil.  I generally save the other finishes for more decorative non-food like items and artistic pieces. 

Feel free to contact me with questions if I've managed to confuse things....