News — kitchen hygiene

If there’s one debate that never seems to die in the kitchen, it’s this: wood vs plastic cutting boards: which is safer for bacteria[1][5][6]? You’ll hear all sorts of confident opinions from friends, TV chefs and that one uncle who thinks he’s a food scientist. So let’s sort the myths from the facts. What actually happens when you cut on a board? Every time you chop, slice or carve, your knife leaves tiny grooves in the surface of your board. Those cuts can trap food, moisture and bacteria. The key question is: how easily can that bacteria survive, spread and...

If you use your chopping board every day, you probably worry at least a little about what might be lurking in those knife marks. With bamboo and acacia boards both popular in British kitchens, a fair question pops up: is carbonised bamboo better than acacia for bacterial safety? The short answer: both materials can be very hygienic if they’re well made and properly looked after. Carbonised bamboo has a few interesting advantages, but it isn’t a magic shield against germs. Let’s unpack what actually matters. What do we mean by “bacterial safety”? When we talk about bacterial safety in chopping...

If you have ever paused mid onion chop and wondered whether your bamboo board is secretly harbouring germs, you are not alone. With so much advice flying around about plastic versus wood, it is completely fair to ask: are bamboo cutting boards safe for bacteria in UK kitchens? What actually happens to bacteria on a chopping board? Before we pick on bamboo, it helps to understand how bacteria behave on any cutting board. When you prepare raw meat, fish or unwashed veg, you can transfer common foodborne bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli and Campylobacter onto the board. From there, one...

If you care about food safety, chopping boards suddenly feel very serious. Raw chicken, muddy carrots, the cheese you keep nibbling while you cook... they all pass over the same surface. So how do you actually know how to choose between bamboo, carbonised bamboo, and plastic for hygiene? Let’s break it down in plain English, with a bit of science, a bit of common sense, and plenty of practical tips you can use in your own kitchen. What “hygienic” really means for chopping boards Before we compare bamboo, carbonised bamboo and plastic, it helps to be clear about what makes...