Help with best filler

[Jim Tobias]

I am not a major turner. I turn an occasional handle or knob for boxes, etc.
I have a friend that has asked me to repair a crack (1/4" wide, couple of inches long in a wooden Salad Bowl. It is a family favorite and they do not want to throw it away.
My thoughts were to fill the crack with colored epoxy. BUT....I am reading in many places that epoxy is not food safe. What are some epoxies or other safe glue that I might be able to use.
I saw a picture of the crack and don't think this is anything that can be pulled back together.

Jim

[Shawn Pachlhofer]

butterfly repair?

http://www.woodcraftguild.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/big-island-engraving.jpg

[John Keeton]

Not being able to chuck the piece for leveling any fill means a lot of handwork. However, Master Bond makes food safe epoxies. Use dry coffee grounds as a filler if the dark color will work, or sawdust. I have also used shellac and coffee grounds, building it in layers. Because it dries quickly, the job can be finished pretty quickly.

One consideration will be whether the crack has accumulated any oil residue that might affect adhesion.