I'm from europe and we don't protect them. We bash the daylights out of them, and when they get a bit manky we sand them off. They get bits knocked off the top all the time, which is why the old ones get an indented top like this ........ But if your block is part of the structure of the island then I'd ask the people you purchased it from. Bet it's gorgeous!!!

A couple coats of mineral oil does the job. Mineral oil is non-toxic and food safe. You can also re-coat it every so often as needed.

HI -- I use mineral oil because it doesn't go rancid and is safe and natural. When mine starts to look bad then it is sanded a bit and re -oiled and this is done about every six months . Just rub it in with a clean soft cloth .The butcher block top is supposed to develop a used look (patina ) . Don't worry about bacteria because enzymes in the wood kills anything in about 3 seconds . Was told this by a long standing chef years ago , and he said wood blocks have been used for years , so no worries !