There was a time in the past when the health department required all food-related businesses use plastic cutting boards, with the primary reason being that plastic cutting boards were more sanitary. Just like so many times in the past, they were incorrect.
The postulation that plastic cutting boards are less porous is actually unfounded. Actually, with use, the surface of a plastic cutting will become scarred, and the scarring creates orifices that can absorb, contaminated fluids. Additionally, with the scarring, the surface becomes increasingly difficult to clean — even when using bleach. Conversely, quality wood cutting boards, such as those sold at woodcuttingboards.com, possesses the ability to stifle the growth of, as well as kill bacteria on its surface. This is true whether the board is new or used. In a study conducted by the University of Wisconsin, bacteria that are known to cause food poisoning, such as Listeria, Escherichia coli, and salmonella on cutting boards, both plastic and wood. Consistently, the wooden cutting boards outperformed the plastic cutting boards is reducing the presence of these contaminants. What scientist were able to find was that in as little as three minutes after a wooden board was contaminated 99.9 percent of the bacteria had died. Simply stated, wooden cutting boards add an extra layer of protection to any kitchen. Some additional benefits of wooden cutting boards include: Wooden cutting boards do a better job of protecting the blades of cutting knives They are 100 percent biodegradable and renewable Buying wooden cutting boards can help to support small businesses Caring for Your Wood Cutting Board In order to properly take care of your board, you should wash it with warm water after each use. If there is a substantial amount of food stuck to the board, use a kitchen scraper or a knife to remove the bulk of it before washing the board. Keep Your Knives Sharp If you allow your knives to become dull, it will force you to press harder when cutting, which can cause damage to your cutting board. Basic Food Safety Applies to All Cutting Boards You should make it a practice of follow food safety protocol at all times, including: Washing your hands frequently, using hot water and non-toxic soap Clean all surfaces frequently with a mixture of hot, soapy water Avoid the use of sponges. While sponges may seem like a highly functional tool for cleaning, they have a tendency to remain moist, which is an ideal condition for the buildup of bacteria Avoid cross contamination by mixing produce and meats, or cooked foods with uncooked foods. Choose the cleanest foods available to you Make sure to cook food at a recommended safe temperature When you combine food safety practices with the use of a quality wooden cutting board, the chance of food poison diminishes drastically. So, find the wooden cutting board that is right for you, and enjoy your time in the kitchen.
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