Are Bamboo Cutting Boards Safe?

If you are trying to buy more environmentally friendly materials for your home, you will find many bamboo products for your kitchen. You can keep your family healthy if you properly use and clean a bamboo cutting board.

Advantages

Bamboo cutting boards are a more environmentally friendly alternative to plastic and traditional wood boards. Bamboo is durable and has some inherent antibacterial properties.

Considerations

All cutting boards are exposed to bacteria during use, especially when used to cut raw meat. It is a good idea to have separate cutting boards--one for meat and one for other foods, according to "Green Cleaning For Dummies."

Cleaning

Properly cleaning a bamboo cutting board will help maintain food safety in your kitchen. Every time you use it, wash the cutting board with plenty of hot, soapy water. Allow it to dry completely before putting it away in your cupboard. For periodic sterilizing, wet a small board, then place it in the microwave for five minutes to kill germs on it. A solution of one part white vinegar to five parts water will also sanitize a board, according to "Cleaning Plain & Simple."

References

• "Green Cleaning For Dummies"; Elizabeth B. Goldsmith, Betsy Sheldon; 2008.
• "Cleaning Plain & Simple"; Donna Smallin; 2005.