Is Your Grilling Plank Actually Safe?

Most Aren’t. Competitors leave untreated edges that contain industrial contaminants, using non-food-safe machinery and questionable processing. What touches your food matters to you and to us.

Is Your Grilling Plank Safe? Here’s How to Spot the Difference.

We take quality, safety, and sustainability seriously – so much so that we’ve built our entire process around it. That’s why our grilling planks are GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative), and Food Safe.

But what does that actually mean? And why should it matter to you when choosing grilling planks for your next meal? Let’s break it down.

 

Food Safety First: Why Our Process Matters

One of the most overlooked aspects of grilling planks is how they are handled during manufacturing. While competitors often cut planks and leave the length edges rough and unsurfaced, we take an entirely different approach.

At Wildwood Grilling, we surface all sides of every plank – not just the top and bottom. This means:

  • Eased or squared edges for a smooth, finished look
  • No rough or splintered sides touching your food
  • Machinery and lubricants that meet food-safe standards
  • Contaminants don’t stay on our planks: If dirt, industrial petroleum-based grease, or chemicals make their way onto a competitor’s plank, they stay there because the rough edges are never trimmed or processed. We surface and finish all sides of our planks through our third-party certified process, ensuring a cleaner, safer surface for your food.

Competitors often skip this step to save time and cost, leaving their planks with sharp, unfinished edges that were never cut or processed in a food-safe manner. That’s a key reason why our planks look and feel different – the edges aren’t just for aesthetics; they ensure a clean, safe cooking surface.

What GMP, SFI, and Food-Safe Certifications Mean for You

GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) Certified

GMP ensures that our planks are produced in a controlled environment, where sanitation, safety, and quality control are top priorities. This includes using food-safe machinery, lubricants, and processing methods to eliminate contaminants and ensure a clean cooking experience.

SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) Certified

SFI certification means that the wood we use is responsibly and sustainably harvested. Unlike many competitors who source from unknown or potentially unsustainable sources, we guarantee that our wood is managed with environmental responsibility in mind.

Food-Safe Certified

From the moment we receive raw wood to the time it becomes a finished plank, every step in our process is designed to meet strict food-safety standards. That means no harsh chemicals, no risky processing, and no corners cut—just clean, natural wood ready for your grill.

Why Competitors’ Planks Fall Short

Most competitors purchase raw wood in standard sizes and simply cut it to length. Here’s where the problem arises:

  • They don’t trim the sides – The edges of their planks are never cleaned up after coming from the lumber mill. Lumber mills are not manufacturing with food-safety in mind, meaning those rough edges could have been handled by non-food-safe machinery or exposed to contaminants.
  • They leave standard width dimensions – When plank producers source wood, it comes from the lumber mill in 6 and 8 inch nominal widths. The actual width of those boards is 5.5 and 7.25 inches. That’s why our competitors’ planks come in those exact sizes—they don’t touch the edges to ensure food safety. If you see a grilling plank width of 5.5 inches, you can bet that they split that board down the middle, but didn’t clean up the edges.

At Wildwood Grilling, we take it a step further. We trim and smooth the edges, ensuring that every inch of the plank is safe for your food.

Choose Wildwood Grilling for a Safer, Better Experience

When you choose Wildwood Grilling planks, you’re choosing:

  • Planks that meet the highest food safety standards
  • Sustainably sourced, responsibly harvested wood
  • A premium product crafted for the best grilling experience

Our commitment to safety and quality is what makes Wildwood Grilling stand out. Next time you pick up a plank, take a close look at the edges—if they’re rough and unfinished, they probably weren’t made with food safety in mind.

So why settle for anything less? Grill with confidence. Grill with Wildwood.

Ready to Taste the Difference?

Check out our selection of food-safe grilling planks and elevate your next cookout.

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Pesticide Free

No pesticides, no chemicals - just the pure essence of nature in every plank. Enjoy safe, clean grilling that enhances flavor and keeps your cooking experience fun and worry-free. Perfect for those who prioritize quality and sustainability in every meal.

Sustainably Harvested

Crafted with care, our planks are sustainably sourced to protect the planet.

SFI Certified

Our planks are SFI Certified, meaning they come from responsibly managed forests that protect wildlife, water quality, and future generations of grilling enthusiasts. 🙂

Food Safe

Our planks are rigorously tested and crafted to meet the highest food-grade standards, ensuring they’re safe to use with your favorite ingredients. Free of contaminants and toxins, they’re designed to enhance your grilling experience without compromising on health or flavor. Grill with confidence knowing your food is in good hands.

Dangerous Chemicals

Many competitor planks are left with harmful chemicals or sourced from wood not intended for cooking, putting your food and health at risk. These toxins can seep into your meal, leaving you with a bitter taste and serious safety concerns. With our planks, you get 100% natural, chemical-free wood that’s as clean as it is safe for your food.

Mystery Wood?

Not all grilling planks are made from Western Red Cedar. Some are imported mystery wood or other species that lack the same flavor. That’s why we source and craft our planks in the Pacific Northwest, ensuring the highest quality you can trust.

Low Quality

Brittle, and inconsistent - low-quality planks have rot, bug holes, and bark and leave your food underwhelming. Our planks are precision-cut to remove those defects for a perfect grilling experience every time.

Rough Unmilled Edges

Competitor planks are often poorly finished, leaving rough edges, splinters, and uneven surfaces that can ruin your grilling experience. These imperfections can tear delicate food or even pose a safety hazard. Our planks are precision-cut and smooth for a premium, hassle-free grilling experience every time.