News — Deer & Oak

do wood cutting boards harbor bacteria

If you are wondering whether wood cutting boards harbour bacteria more than plastic, the short answer is no when they are cared for properly. In controlled tests, properly maintained hardwood and bamboo boards can keep bacterial transfer to food extremely low, and a well oiled wooden board used daily can safely last 5 to 10 years in a home kitchen. Do wood cutting boards harbour bacteria more than plastic? All cutting boards can harbour bacteria if they are dirty, soaked, or deeply gouged. The key question is which surface helps you control that risk. Studies from food safety researchers have...

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Acacia vs maple cutting board for heavy chopping

If you want a cutting board for heavy chopping that can realistically last 5 to 10 years with proper care, acacia is usually the better choice than maple for most home cooks, because it is naturally more water resistant and needs a little less day to day maintenance. Maple still wins for professional chefs who sharpen knives weekly and chop for several hours a day, but for regular British kitchens a 45x35cm acacia board around 2.0 to 2.2kg is a very strong balance of strength, stability and knife comfort. Acacia vs maple for heavy chopping: the short answer For heavy...

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Best non-porous chopping board for food safety?

If you want the best non-porous chopping board for food safety, choose a dense, low-absorption board that resists deep cuts. In our range, the Deer & Oak Carbonised Bamboo Board (45x35cm, 1.9kg) stands out because its carbonised finish and tight grain reduce moisture absorption and make it easier to clean safely between raw meat and ready to eat foods. What makes a chopping board "non porous" for food safety? In food safety terms, a board is effectively non porous when it absorbs very little liquid, does not hold strong odours and can be properly cleaned and dried between uses. No...

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Are colour coded chopping boards required by law UK?

No, colour coded chopping boards are not required by law in the UK, but food safety law does require you to prevent cross contamination. Colour coded cutting boards are simply one of the easiest ways to meet that legal duty, which is why many professional kitchens use them every single day. Understanding what the law actually says in the UK UK food hygiene law, based on Regulation (EC) 852/2004 and the Food Safety Act 1990, does not say you must use a red board for raw meat or a green board for veg. There is no legal requirement that boards...

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