What should you do after washing a cutting board that touched raw meat before reuse?

• A. Wipe dry with a clean towel.
• B. Sanitize before reuse.
• C. Use it again without drying.
• D. Let it sit for 24 hours.

Answer: (B)

Sanitize after washing a cutting board that touched raw meat to kill remaining bacteria and prevent cross-contamination when you reuse it. Washing removes visible debris, but pathogens from raw meat can linger on the surface. Sanitizing uses a germ-killing solution so the board is safe for handling other foods. A common approach is a kitchen-safe sanitizer or a diluted bleach solution (for example, one tablespoon of unscented chlorine bleach per gallon of water). Keep the surface wet with the sanitizer for the recommended contact time, then let the board air dry completely before using it again. If you’re using a wooden board, avoid soaking and dry thoroughly to prevent warping. When possible, have separate boards for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods to further reduce risk.