How to Use Bamboo Cutting Boards With Meat

Bamboo is a sturdy grass used to make cutting boards and other products.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service states that it is safe to use a wood cutting board to cut raw meat. The FSIS, which is a division of the United States Department of Agriculture, recommends using one cutting board to cut meat and a different cutting board to cut bread or fresh produce, thus avoiding cross contamination. Cleaning and maintaining a bamboo cutting board used with meat will keep it sterile and prolong its life.

Things You'll Need

• Food-grade mineral oil
• Soft cloths
• Dish detergent
• Sponge
• 1 tbsp. chlorine bleach
• Container
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Pour a small amount of food-grade mineral oil to the bamboo cutting board and rub it into all surfaces with a soft cloth. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes to one hour, and then remove excess oil with a soft cloth.

2. Place meat on the cutting board and cut it immediately. Do not allow wet meat to remain on the board for an extended period of time.

3. Wash the bamboo cutting board with dish detergent, warm water and a sponge, and then rinse it with water. Do not immerse the board in water.

4. Mix 1 tbsp. chlorine bleach with 1 gallon of water in a container. Pour the bleach solution on the cutting board to sanitize it. Wait several minutes, and then rinse the board well with water.

5. Pat the board dry with paper towels.

6. Inspect the bamboo cutting board periodically and discard it if it shows excessive wear or has deep grooves.

Tips & Warnings

• Re-apply food-grade mineral oil to the bamboo cutting board every month to season it and prolong its life.

• Do not place a bamboo cutting board in the dishwasher; this will cause it to split and crack.

References

• United States Department of Agriculture: Cutting Boards and Food Safety
• Michigan Maple Block Company: Caring for a Wood Cutting Board
• Cooking Sessions: Bamboo Cutting Board