Is it OK to just have two cutting boards: one for stuff to be heated, another for other stuff?

Is it OK to just have two cutting boards: one for stuff to be heated, another for other stuff? - Happy woman in casual wear standing near heap of cardboard boxes and giving high five to ethnic boyfriend with ponytail showing agreement while looking at each other

Some say one should use more than one cutting boards because if you use just one board for raw meat and vegetables, bacteria from raw meat moves to the board and then to the vegetables, then you eat that vegetable raw, and you get sick.

Some uses more than two cutting boards: one for fish, another for raw poultry, yet another for dairy and so on.

What if I use just two rather than 3 or more? One for stuff to be heated, another for everything else. What do I gain by using 3 or more rather than 2?



Best Answer

The exact number of cutting boards isn't critical, the important piece is minimizing cross contamination. You can use one cutting board safely as long as you're using it in a food-safe order (cut vegetables, then proteins), and follow good sanitation practices (wash & sanitize the board between ingredients). A quick scrub with soap and water and a spritz with a bleach, alcohol, or quat solution between ingredients will minimize your need for different boards.




Pictures about "Is it OK to just have two cutting boards: one for stuff to be heated, another for other stuff?"

Is it OK to just have two cutting boards: one for stuff to be heated, another for other stuff? - Woman cutting off adhesive tape from box with parcel
Is it OK to just have two cutting boards: one for stuff to be heated, another for other stuff? - Free stock photo of adam, adult, aid
Is it OK to just have two cutting boards: one for stuff to be heated, another for other stuff? - Cheerful modern male and female in comfortable casual clothes unpacking car trunk in green garden of new house while moving in together



Can you use the same cutting board for cooked meat and vegetables?

Use two cutting boards: one strictly to cut raw meat, poultry and seafood; the other for ready-to-eat foods, like breads and vegetables. Don't confuse them.

Is it OK to use the same chopping board for raw and cooked meat?

You can use the same board (I often do), but you must wash it in hot, soapy water in-between. Usually there is plenty of time to do this while the meat is cooking. Because bacteria grows exponentially, I'd recommend washing the board soon, even if you aren't going to reuse it, to prevent accidental cross-contamination.

Why is it smart to have at least two cutting boards in your kitchen?

One should be used exclusively to cut raw meat and poultry. The other cutting board can be used for cutting or chopping fruits, vegetables, nuts and other nonmeat foods. Brown said it is crucial to frequently sanitize your cutting board.

Can I use one cutting board for everything?

This problem of cross-contamination can be easily dealt with by using two different cutting boards for various types of foods. Also, the wooden cutting board should never be used for raw meats and other animal products that are prone to harbor microorganisms in it.



Teen Titans Go! | Fooooooooood! | DC Kids




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Ketut Subiyanto, Liza Summer, Muhammad Rayhan Haripriatna, Ketut Subiyanto