News — kitchen hygiene

If you want a clear answer: no, you shouldn’t use the same chopping board for fish and veg unless you clean and disinfect it thoroughly for at least 20–30 seconds between uses. Food safety guidance in the UK recommends separate boards for raw fish and ready to eat foods like salad and vegetables, which is why many home cooks now keep at least 2 boards on the counter. Why sharing a chopping board for fish and veg is risky Raw fish can carry bacteria and parasites that you absolutely don’t want on your salad or stir fry veg. When you...

No, it is not safe to reuse a chopping board for vegetables straight after raw chicken unless you fully wash, disinfect and dry it first. Food safety guidance in the UK advises either using separate boards or washing with hot water, washing up liquid and a disinfectant safe for food contact every single time you switch from raw chicken to ready to eat vegetables. Why reusing a chopping board after chicken can be risky Raw chicken commonly carries bacteria such as Campylobacter and Salmonella. These can transfer to your chopping board in seconds. If you then slice salad leaves, peppers...

Yes, wooden cutting boards are safe for meat when you choose the right board and clean it properly. In fact, several food safety studies have shown that quality hardwood and bamboo boards can hold fewer live bacteria than plastic, especially over the first 3 to 12 hours after use, as long as you wash them within 10 minutes and allow them to dry fully. Are wooden cutting boards safe for meat in everyday use? If you handle them correctly, wooden cutting boards are safe for raw chicken, beef, pork and fish. The key is a combination of the right material,...

If you want to avoid cross contamination from raw meat, the best cutting board solution is to use two clearly separated boards: one dedicated to raw meat and poultry, and one for ready to eat foods. In practical terms, a colour or tone contrast works well, which is why many home cooks pair our 45x35cm Carbonised Bamboo Board (DNO-CBB-LG) for raw meat with a lighter 45x35cm Large Bamboo Board (DNO-BCB-LG) for vegetables and bread. Why raw meat needs its own cutting board Raw chicken, beef and pork can carry bacteria such as Campylobacter and Salmonella. The quickest way those move...