I need to get a huge piece to protect my table surface. I am worried about it being food safe. I looked at it in the store and it just smells so new and horrid. I know that smell will dissapear with time. But that smell means it is giving off some chemical in small amounts doesn't it? I can think of a few uses I would have for this stuff if it is really ok to use.
So is the stuff in the craft section on a huge roll that is cut to order OK?

Maybe I am naive but if it says it is government approved & safe for food, I would try it. Just let it air out well before you start to use it.

There may be other options. Is this table your regular work area? Another more permanent option would be having plexi-glass cut to cover the table top. (More expensive, but it won't be sliding around or getting pulled off the table).

I recently got some at a craft store, It is on a big roll by the upholstry fabric. It is by the yard... I figure since it is meant for table cloths it should be ok. I paid around $2 a yard. It comes in a few different thicknesses and if you go to the right store you might be able to use a 40% off coupon too.

Yes that's the stuff I am talking about i just don't know how to find out for sure if it is food safe.

Tons of information on vinyl:

http://www.azom.com/details.asp?ArticleID=987

My clear one I use to roll on is from a cake retail store and it smelled the same way. Mine was more costly than purchasing from a fabric/craft store. I would go with it.