While most of us have never gotten sick due to inadequate food preparation hygiene, the FDA reports that 1 in 6 Americans do suffer from food poisoning each year. Therefore, it is important to discuss safe food handling and preparation. Taking a few simple precautions will help you to prepare food safely.

Choosing a Cutting Board

An article in Wood Magazine provides guidance for choosing the species of wood for cutting boards:

• While toxins in the wood are not a concern for the species that are considered to be food safe, bacteria is a concern
• Woods with closed grain such as maple, cherry, black walnut, and teak are more resistant to harboring bacteria than more open grained wood such as oak or pine
• Proper care keeps bacteria at bay -- wash wood utensils and bowls after each use with soap and warm water and dry them immediately

Using Cutting Boards Safely

Two great resources cutting board safety are the FDA's  Safe Food Handling guidelines and the USDA's food safety guidance for Cutting Boards.

Regarding the use of cutting boards, please consider the follow best practices:

• Before beginning food preparation, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel
• Separate raw meat from other food products such as fruit and vegetables
• To avoid cross-contamination, use one cutting board  for ready-to-eat foods such as fresh produce or bread and a separate one for raw meat, poultry, and seafood
• Non-porous cutting boards - such as plastic or glass - are easier to clean than wood

Caring for Your Cutting Boards

Do:

• After each use, wash with hot water and dish soap or rinse in the sink 
• Towel dry after washing and let air dry by standing on its edge
• The FDA suggests that you consider using paper towels, or if cloth towels are used, they should be laundered frequently using a hot water cycle.
• To renew the surface, periodically wipe it with food-grade mineral oil and (optionally) wax it with a cutting-board wax

Don’t:

• Let it soak in water
• Wash it in the dishwasher

Related Articles

• Wood Magazine: Can Your Cutting Board Make You Sick?
• NSF: Certification for Food Safety
• FDA: Safe Food Handling 
• INCACAA: Cutting Board Safety Fact Sheet
• Eatright.org: Cutting Board Safety
• USDA Food Safety Inspection Service: Food Safety Basics - Cutting Boards