Is It Safe To Cut Raw Meat on A Plastic Cutting Board?

If you are like most people, you probably use a plastic cutting board to chop, slice, and dice your raw meat. Plastic cutting boards are convenient, affordable, and easy to clean, but are they safe? Many consumers are concerned about the possible health risks of using plastic cutting boards, such as cross-contamination of bacteria and ingestion of microplastics. In this article, we will answer the question: Is it safe to cut raw meat on a plastic cutting board? We will also provide some tips and advice on how to choose, use, and maintain your plastic cutting board properly.

Plastic cutting boards are made from various types of synthetic polymers, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polycarbonate. These materials have different properties and characteristics that affect the quality and performance of the cutting boards. To make sure that the raw food is safe, some of the factors that you should consider when buying a plastic cutting board are:

• Scratch-resistance surface: Plastic cutting boards tend to develop scratches and grooves from the knife over time. These can harbor bacteria and microplastics that can transfer to your food. It is essential to look for a plastic cutting board that is scratch-resistant and durable, and replace it when it becomes heavily scarred.

• Food-grade materials: Plastic cutting boards should be made from food-grade materials that are safe for human consumption. Some plastics may contain harmful chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA), that can leach into your food. It is important to avoid plastic cutting boards that are not labeled as food-grade or BPA-free.

• Proper thickness: Plastic cutting boards come in different thicknesses, ranging from thin and flexible to thick and rigid. Thin plastic cutting boards are easy to store and transport, but they may warp or curl when exposed to heat or moisture. In contrast, thick plastic cutting boards are more stable and sturdy, but they may be heavier and  harder to handle.

• Proper size: Plastic cutting boards come in different  sizes, depending on your needs and preferences. It is recommended to choose a plastic cutting board that is large enough to accommodate your raw meat, but not too large that it takes up too much space on your countertop or sink. Besides, do not forget to consider the shape and design of the cutting board, such as whether it has a handle, a juice groove, or a nonslip surface.

Sanitizing the cutting board properly is also very important to keep the raw meat safe. Fortunately, plastic cutting board are easy to clean and sanitize. It is recommended to wash them with hot, soapy water, or put them in the dishwasher. And you can also sanitize them with a bleach solution or vinegar to kill any bacteria.

However, plastic cutting boards also have some disadvantages. The most important things that you should know is the plastic cutting board can release microplastics into your food. Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that are less than 5 millimeters long. They can come from the wear and tear of the plastic cutting board, or from the packaging and processing of the food. Microplastics can be ingested by humans and animals, and may cause health problems, such as digestive, respiratory, endocrine, and reproductive disorders.