How should cutting boards be cleaned after cutting raw meat?

• A. Rinse with cold water only.
• B. Wipe with paper towel.
• C. Put in dishwasher without detergent.
• D. Wash with hot, soapy water and sanitize before reuse.

Answer: (D)

After cutting raw meat, cleaning and sanitizing the cutting board is essential to prevent cross-contamination. Hot, soapy water breaks down fats and proteins and helps lift germs from the surface, and scrubbing ensures residue is removed. After washing, sanitize the board to kill any remaining bacteria before using it again. A rinse with cold water or wiping with a paper towel doesn’t reliably remove or kill germs, and simply running it through a dishwasher without proper detergent or a sanitizing cycle isn’t guaranteed to sanitize. Use a sanitizer according to product directions (for example, a diluted bleach solution or a commercial kitchen sanitizer) and let the board air-dry completely before its next use.