Is Plastic Cutting Board a Health Hazard?

2 October, 2024

Cutting boards made of plastic are favored by many homemakers due to their waterproof, durable, varied designs, and affordable nature. However, the question of whether plastic cutting boards are harmful to health and how to use them safely is what concerns most people.

Are plastic cutting boards harmful to health?

Plastic cutting boards are praised for their waterproof nature, ease of cleaning, and convenience, even allowing for hot water cleaning without damage. These advantages lead many to assume they are safe and harmless to health. Conversely, there are also concerns about their safety.

In general, the primary health concern regarding plastic cutting boards is related to the release of microplastics—tiny plastic particles. A study published on PubMed in May 2023 revealed that certain plastic materials used for cutting boards, including polypropylene and polyethylene, can “release nano- and micro-sized particles when cut with a knife.” Plastic cutting boards have been identified as a significant source of microplastics in human food, warranting careful attention.

As a plastic cutting board ages and wears down from use, microplastic particles can easily detach and contaminate food. Over time, these particles can accumulate in the body and have long-term health impacts.

The study also indicated that food preparation on a plastic cutting board could generate between 14 and 71 million polyethylene microplastic particles and 79 million polypropylene microplastic particles annually. These numbers vary depending on individual cutting techniques, board material, cutting force, the coarseness of the cut ingredients, and the frequency of board use.

Are plastic cutting boards harmful to health? (Photo: Amazon.in)

Dr. Kaushal Kishor Yadav from the Department of Surgical Oncology at Narayana Hospital, Gurugram, warned, “Several studies indicate that the release of these microplastic particles can lead to the leakage of toxic chemicals, including endocrine disruptors, into the food being prepared.”

Additionally, scratches on the surface of plastic cutting boards, though seemingly harmless, create an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Even with thorough cleaning using soap, hot water, and disinfection multiple times, bacteria can still survive and proliferate on the surface. Especially in the grooves of older plastic cutting boards, bacteria can remain after the disinfection process.

While many plastic cutting boards are labeled as dishwasher-safe, the high temperatures in dishwashers can cause them to warp and create more grooves, providing additional spaces for bacteria to hide.

To alleviate health concerns, experts recommend using wooden cutting boards instead of plastic ones and sanitizing the boards immediately after use. Old, worn-out, or heavily scratched boards should be replaced to ensure the health and safety of your family.

“While plastic cutting boards offer convenience and design variety, their use should be carefully considered to mitigate potential health risks associated with microplastic exposure,” advised Dr. Yadav.

Proper Cutting Board Usage

– Categorize your cutting boards: Use separate boards for raw meat, produce, and ready-to-eat foods. Ensure you don’t mix them up. For differentiation, you can mark them or purchase boards with distinct colors, shapes, or sizes.

– Disinfect your cutting boards: Rinsing with water alone is insufficient for proper sanitation. Disinfect with boiling water or saltwater, then rinse with clean water and dry with paper towels (not soft towels).

– Avoid using towels for drying: You may think you’re cleaning the cutting board by wiping off food remnants with a towel. However, studies show that kitchen towels are often the dirtiest items in your home. If you need to dry a cutting board before preparing raw meat or produce, avoid using cloth towels. Bacteria from food can contaminate the fabric and then spread throughout the kitchen as you wipe down other surfaces.

According to VTC News