How to Use Separate Cutting Boards
When using a cutting board to prepare and cut foods, it is recommended that a separate cutting board be used for vegetables and raw meat. Using one cutting board may contaminate the food you are preparing with bacteria. Cutting boards can be made out of many materials and must always be properly disinfected and cleaned after use.
- Choose a type of cutting board and purchase two of them. Cutting boards can be made out of wood, plastic, rubber, glass, steel and marble. Wood and plastic cutting boards are the most common cutting boards purchased. The difference between wood and plastic cutting boards is their durability. Wood cutting boards will self-seal when cut by a knife and have a natural antiseptic that will stop bacteria growth. Plastic cutting boards will retain a cut and may harbor bacteria in the cut if not properly cleaned.
- Write "meat" on one board and "vegetables" on the other using a marker to differentiate between your raw meat cutting board and vegetable cutting board. If you have dark colored cutting boards, apply a small piece of light colored masking tape or duct tape to the corner and write the words on it. Marking the boards will help to prevent using the wrong board when preparing food.
- Disinfect and clean the cutting boards after you've prepared the food. Both wood and plastic boards can be disinfected by making a diluted bleach solution. A wood cutting board can then be hand washed with soapy water and dried with a towel. Wood cutting boards also may require the occasional oiling with a mineral oil. A plastic cutting board can be hand washed or put in the dishwasher.