Are Wood Cutting Boards Germ & Bacteria Safe?
Most cases of food borne illness occur in the home. Contamination can come from germs and bacteria on unwashed cutting boards, both wooden and plastic. Does this Spark an idea?
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Cutting Boards
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Cutting boards can be constructed of wood or plastic. They can pick up germs and bacteria when raw meat is cut on them, according to the book "Germs, Genes, & Civilization."
Safety
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Wood cutting boards are safe to use. They contain phenolic compounds that kill bacteria. When a wooden cutting board is washed, as it dries it pulls germs on the surface into the interior of the wood, removing them from the work surface.
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Considerations
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No matter if you use wooden or plastic cutting boards, it is a good idea to have two--one for use with meat and one for use with other foods. Always clean a cutting board thoroughly after use by washing it with hot water and detergent. Some wood cutting boards can be heated in the microwave to kill any lingering germs.
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References
- Photo Credit knife and cutting board image by R MACKAY from Fotolia.com
