The durability of any finish depends on the shape of the wood, to a large extent. If the wooden project has grooves and crevices where the finish can collect, there is a high chance of a bacteria build-up. Similarly, even if there are any edges like in a cutting board, the finish will eventually wear off.
However, your best bet would be to use a soft finish for kitchen utensils. If the utensil will see a lot of force, a softer finish is better so that they do not flake when being used. This also reduces the chance of the flakes mixing with the food. For any other wooden surface, a hard finish is ideal.