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Tips for selecting and sanitizing
A rule of thumb in safe food preparation is to be sure you don't cut raw meat, poultry or fish on the same surface without thoroughly cleaning it between uses. An even better idea is to have two cutting boards – one reserved for meat, poultry and fish, the other reserved for fruits, vegetables, etc.
The cutting-board surface is a matter of personal preference. Plastic boards are lighter in weight, but wood boards are kinder to your knives. Some people mistakenly believe that plastic boards are less likely to harbor bacteria than wood ones, but microbiologists at the University of Wisconsin's Food Research Institute discovered that this isn't true. In fact, wood seems to have some as-yet-unidentified agent that is inhospitable to bacteria. Good cleaning practices are essential for safe food preparation, says Nancy Bock, Vice President of Education at The Soap and Detergent Association.
Cleaning Cutting Boards
No matter which surface you choose, it's essential to keep all cutting boards clean. Wash with hot, soapy water after each use. Rinse with clear water and air- or pat-dry with clean paper towels. Note that some nonporous cutting boards, including acrylic, plastic or glass, can also be washed in the dishwasher.
If the cutting board was used for uncooked meat, fish or poultry, sanitize it after cleaning with a solution of one tablespoon of liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Flood the surface with the bleach solution and allow it to stand for several minutes. Rinse with clear water and air- or pat-dry with clean paper towels.
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