Maintenance

We recommend washing your utensils thoroughly before first use.

It they are still damp from a very recent use, do not apply pressure when using them to avoid blunting.

The natural resins we apply wear off from the surface after a few weeks of use.

The knive and fork become more efficient, and the spoon looses a little smoothness. No protection needs to be added.

Suggested maintenance: wash in warm soapy water, rinse and towel dry, or leave to dry naturally. Do not use abrasive material or plastic scouring pads. Avoid soaking wood for long periods of time.

Not safe for dishwasher use, as they become harsh.

If Jb utensils are used with very acidic food discolouring the wood or food with a strong odour, the odour/colour will go away after several washes (antibacterial properties of maple). To refresh the utensils rapidly, soak them in a warm water solution containing approximately 10% vinegar, lemon, or baking soda for 20 minutes, and rinse in cold water.

The use with curcuma will create  a permanent coloring.

Restoration : With over 5 years of experience using the wood utensils, we have found that the tip of the utensils very rarely gets blunt. If this ever happens whit the fork a 400 grains sandpaper can be used to sharpen the tip...that's all! For the knive use the sandpaper twice on each side with and once on the cutting edge.
The product does not require any protection product.

Approval

In 1992 Health Canada stopped approving the use of wood for food purposes as pathogenic bacteria had been discovered in restaurants serving steak on wood boards.

• L'épicerie - Radio Canada (PDF - 393KB)
• Daniel Pinard (Movie)

In 1994 the problem was identified : the boards were washed in soapy water and then rinsed in clean water, which became saturated rapidly. The wood was continuously humid and full of particles. Pathogenic bacteria developed on the surface.

Maple wood, which is very dense, has natural defence properties against bacteria and meets Health Canada food contact product standards.

European standards

The DGCCRF has indicated that natural maple wood products, such as those produced by Justenbois, can come in contact with food products.

The Canadian Cancer Society recommends not to use metal utensils for eating after a chemotherapy treatment.

Several research studies have found that stainless steel transfers accumulate in the prostate with men and in the uterus with women.

Nutrients are lost through the oxidizing effect of this metal.