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Nutrition and daily life

Cutting boards: separate and keep clean

A cutting board is one of the commonest ways germs pass from raw meat to ready-to-eat food. This section explains how to choose, separate and clean boards.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A red and a green board.
Figure 1.Two boards — Cutting boards: separate and keep clean

01Short answer

Keep at least two boards: one for raw meat, poultry and fish, and one for bread, cooked food, fruit and vegetables; colour-coding makes this easy. After each use scrub in hot soapy water, rinse and air-dry upright. Plastic boards can go in the dishwasher. Wooden boards are fine too, but do not leave them soaking. Replace boards with deep scratches or cracks, where bacteria linger. After raw meat, wash the board, knife and your hands at once.

02Simple explanation

Two boards: raw and ready.

Hot soapy water.

Air-dry.

Scratched? Replace.

03Scientific explanation

Studies: Campylobacter and Salmonella can pass to vegetables cut on a board not washed after raw chicken.

WHO: foodborne illness is more severe in people with weakened immunity; the five keys are keep clean, separate, cook thoroughly, keep food at safe temperatures, and use safe water and raw materials.

04What happens in the body?

Disinfecting

After raw meat you can wipe with a disinfectant diluted as directed.

A scratched board in shadow.
Figure 2.An old board — Cutting boards: separate and keep clean

Knives

Keep knives separate too, or wash them each time.

A plastic board in a rack.
Figure 3.Dishwasher — Cutting boards: separate and keep clean

Neutropenia

When neutrophils are low, even ordinary germs can cause serious infection, which is why the rules are stricter.

General rules

This section is part of the general food-safety rules in “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices” and “Food safety: four simple rules”.

05Safety: four steps

Check, swap the risky, prepare properly, use in time.

Check — Date and condition.1CheckDate and condition.
Swap — A safe choice.2SwapA safe choice.
Prepare — Clean and thorough.3PrepareClean and thorough.
In time — No delay.4In timeNo delay.
CleanHands and surfaces.
CookGerms die.
ColdGrowth slows.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
DisinfectingAfter raw meat you can wipe with a disinfectant diluted as directed.
KnivesKeep knives separate too, or wash them each time.
NeutropeniaWhen neutrophils are low, even ordinary germs can cause serious infection, which is why the rules are stricter.
General rulesThis section is part of the general food-safety rules in “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices” and “Food safety: four simple rules”.

07Key terms

Cross-contamination
Germs passing from one food to another.
Campylobacter
A bacterium common in poultry.
Foodborne infection
An infection spread through food or water.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Separate.
  • Wash and dry.
  • Replace old boards.
  • When in doubt, throw it out.
  • Call if you have a fever.

09Frequently asked questions

Wood or plastic?

Both are fine; cleanliness and condition matter most.

Is lemon and salt enough?

No; hot soapy water is needed.

Are these rules for ever?

No. They are usually relaxed as blood counts recover; your team will say.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Wood or plastic?

  2. Is lemon and salt enough?

  3. Are these rules for ever?

My questions

12Sources

  1. World Health Organization. Five Keys to Safer Food manual
  2. World Health Organization. Food safety fact sheet
  3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Safe Food Handling
  4. National Cancer Institute. Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
  5. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin D Fact Sheet
  6. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Nutrition
  7. NHS. Vitamins and minerals
  8. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Ferritin Blood Test
  9. World Cancer Research Fund. Cancer Prevention Recommendations
  10. American Cancer Society. Benefits of Good Nutrition During Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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