News — kitchen hygiene

No, it is not safe to use the same chopping board for raw and cooked food unless you clean and disinfect it thoroughly between uses, and even then food safety guidelines in the UK strongly recommend separate boards. The safest and simplest option is to keep at least 2 boards, such as one 45x35cm board for raw meat and one 38x28cm board for cooked food or ready to eat items. Why using one chopping board for raw and cooked food is risky When you cut raw meat, poultry or fish, the surface of your chopping board can pick up harmful...

If you want to know how to deep clean wooden cutting board surfaces properly, the most effective routine is a 3 step process you can do in about 20 minutes: first scrub with coarse salt and lemon for 3 to 5 minutes, then disinfect with a 1:1 white vinegar and water solution for 5 minutes, and finally dry for at least 12 hours before oiling. Done monthly, this keeps a quality board such as the Deer & Oak Large Acacia Board (45x35cm, 2.1kg) safe, fresh and looking good for 5 to 10 years. Why deep cleaning matters for wooden boards...

Yes, you can use vinegar on a wooden cutting board, but only in a diluted form and no more than 1 to 2 times per month, otherwise you risk drying and dulling the wood. For daily cleaning, mild soap, warm water and regular oiling every 3 to 4 weeks will keep a quality board like the Deer & Oak 45x35cm Large Bamboo Board or 45x35cm Large Acacia Board in good condition for 5 to 10 years. When vinegar is safe on a wooden cutting board Vinegar works because its acetic acid helps reduce surface bacteria and neutralise odours. Used correctly,...

If you want to prevent cross contamination in a home kitchen, the most reliable setup is to use at least two separate chopping boards, with one board kept only for raw meat and fish and another for ready to eat foods. In practice, a dedicated meat board plus a larger all purpose board, such as the Deer & Oak Bamboo Double Pack (45x35 cm + 38x28 cm), gives you a clear, physical barrier that dramatically cuts the risk of bacteria moving from raw chicken to salad or bread. Why separate chopping boards matter for food safety Cross contamination happens when...