[Developer7]

I don't know if I would have tore the Granite out as its very expensive but since you are a chef you must take your Kitchen seriously.

Recently one of the major hotel chains "Hxxxxx" just settled a major lawsuit because someone had a lung condition and their claim is that the mold and mildew under the top caused it. I doubt it did but the hotel chain has since forbidden any Granite from going into new developments. They are trying to keep it quiet because it would be impossible to replace every top in their hotel chain that happens to be granite.

It is true that Granite is not NFS certified and cannot be used in food prep areas on restaurants or public places. It makes you wonder that if its not safe enough for a restaurant is it something you'd want in your home? Granite companies chuckle at this but I have ripped out old granite tops that were never resealed and when we broke it apart it smelled like rotten meat.

If you take care of your granite countertops, keep then clean and seal them every year or two you should have no problems though (who really does it?) But if you have elderly or anyone with a weak immune system in your house I would definitely stay clear of granite and go towards solid surface like Corian, Meganite or another nonporous surface.