Carpentry and Woodworking - Wood Chopping Block

We have an old hardwood chopping block that is showing some signs of wear. I was thinking of sanding it down and cleaning it up a little bit.

Once I get it all smooth and nice looking, what type of finish do I apply (and what would be the associated steps in applying it)? My main concern is that the block comes in contact with our food (chopping veggies, etc.) and thus am hoping there is some "natural" finish.

Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.

A lot of people will say vegetable oil, but I wouldn't advise because it can turn bad and sour and leave bacteria.
There is an oil that is made just for cutting boards, though I have never used them.
I clean my board after use with vineger & lemon, I rub a lemon right into the board. Once in awile I use bleach.
My board is used constanly so it always has some moisture in it. Try your local "quality" lumber store for the butcher block oil.

Many people leave their block "as is", but here are two possibilities:

A "Salad Bowl" finish - made specifically for wooden salad bowls - available from Constatines in New York. Their web site is:

http://www.constantines.com

Or plain mineral oil - available at your drug store.