The Use of Non Toxic Cutting Boards
In today’s world, being mindful of what goes into our bodies is more important than ever. We carefully select organic produce, free-range meats, and clean, natural ingredients, all while keeping an eye on potential contaminants in the kitchen. However, one of the most overlooked aspects of safe food preparation is the cutting board you use. Most of us don’t realize that our cutting boards—especially those made from synthetic materials—could be introducing harmful chemicals into our food. That’s why switching to a non-toxic cutting board is essential for both health and peace of mind.
Why Non-Toxic Cutting Boards Matter
Cutting boards play a pivotal role in food prep. I don’t know about you, but I am constantly using my wood boards or every meal! Did you know that from chopping vegetables to slicing meats, these cutting boards come into direct contact with everything you eat? Conventional plastic or non-natural boards often contain toxic chemicals and toxic substances such as BPA (Bisphenol A) or phthalates, which can leach into your food when exposed to heat or when they’re scratched by knives. Over time, these chemicals may pose health risks, including hormone disruption and other long-term health concerns. In a recent study plastic chopping boards have been found to leave tiny plastic particles in your food. So, what are the safest cutting board materials? What naturally derived material should we be looking for in our cutting boards? The good news is that there are alternatives and the right cutting board for you is out there!
The Dangers of Plastic Cutting Boards: What They Can Leach Into Your Food
Plastic cutting boards are a common staple in both commercial kitchens and every other kitchen worldwide because of their convenience and affordability. However, many people remain unaware of the potential health risks that come with using these synthetic materials for food preparation. While they may seem harmless at first glance, plastic cutting boards can pose significant health concerns, particularly when they begin to degrade with prolonged use.
- BPA (Bisphenol A) and Phthalates: Common Plastic Toxins–One of the primary concerns with plastic cutting boards—especially older or low-quality ones—is the presence of BPA (Bisphenol A) and phthalates. These are chemicals commonly found in plastics, including those used in plastic cutting boards.
- 2. The Scratching and Deterioration Problem–Plastic cutting boards, particularly low-quality ones, can degrade over time, developing deep grooves, cracks, and scratches from knife use. These imperfections provide ideal hiding spots for bacteria and mold, which can be difficult to clean thoroughly. As the plastic breaks down, tiny particles of plastic may even break off and end up in your food.
- 3. Bacterial Growth and Cross-Contamination–Plastic boards, when not properly maintained, can also contribute to bacterial contamination. This is a food safety issue for me. Unlike bamboo or wood, which are naturally antimicrobial, plastic boards tend to harbor bacteria in their grooves and scratches. This is particularly concerning when raw meats are involved in food prep, as bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria can thrive on a worn-down plastic cutting board. Yikes. We all know there are times when a cutting board is necessary for our raw meat prep!
- 4. The Impact of Heat and Dishwashing–Did you know when plastic cutting boards are washed with hot soapy water or placed in a dishwasher, the high temperatures can cause the plastic to expand and contract? This can worsen the grooves and cracks that develop over time, making the board more vulnerable to chemical leaching and bacterial buildup.
- 5. Accumulation of Toxic Chemicals Over Time–The biggest danger of plastic cutting boards lies in the accumulation of toxic chemicals over time. The longer you use a plastic cutting board, the more likely it is that harmful substances will leach into your food. As plastic boards are repeatedly subjected to heat, pressure, and abrasion, they release tiny amounts of toxic chemicals into the environment, including your food. These chemicals can accumulate in your body over time, potentially leading to long-term adverse health effects.
- 6. The Environmental Impact of Plastic Cutting Boards–Aside from the health risks, plastic cutting boards are also an environmental concern. Plastics are non-biodegradable and can persist in landfills for hundreds of years. Even when they are discarded after heavy use, plastic cutting boards contribute to environmental pollution, harming wildlife and ecosystems. Opting for a more sustainable, renewable resources like bamboo or a wooden chopping board helps reduce plastic waste and supports eco-friendly practices.
A Few Options
- Bamboo Boards: Bamboo Boards are a better/inexpensive choice over plastic. They are also have natural antimicrobial properties, helping reduce the risk of bacteria buildup on the surface. The only concern I would think about is the fact that because bamboo doesn’t come in slabs, glue is used to adhere the pieces together. Unless you know the toxicity level of the glue, this may not be my first choice. But I do appreciate that bamboo boards can be a safe cutting board option!
- Epicurean Cutting Boards: Another choice is epicurean cutting boards. These boards are more expensive and also use glue, but they do use food safe verified adhesive to hold together the craft paper or pieces of the board. Another good option for picking a cutting board over the traditional plastic ones.
- Wooden Boards: Wooden boards are not only more environmentally friendly, but they also offer a safer option for food prep overall. Unlike plastic boards, solid wood boards are made of a single piece of wood. Wooden cutting boards are made from natural material that don’t contain harmful toxins. Because they are made of a solid slab of wood, it dissipates the concern for plastic materials in your food or toxic fumes from glue. I also just love the beautiful wood look and natural beauty that a wooden cutting board can bring to my kitchen!
My Top Choice
My favorite and top choice would be the John Boos Reversible Block Cutting Board. I own this one and have used daily. It is made from the safest materials and I love that I can use either side of the board! Here are a few things I love about this particular cutting board.
- Reversible Design for Extended Use–One of the most notable features of this cutting board is its reversible design. Both sides of the board are usable, which helps extend its life by distributing the wear and tear that comes from constant chopping. When one side starts to show signs of use, simply flip it over and continue preparing your meals with ease. This feature is particularly beneficial in maintaining the board’s structural integrity over time.
- Premium Hard Rock Maple Construction–Crafted from sustainably sourced North American Hard Rock Maple, the John Boos Reversible Block Cutting Board offers an unmatched level of durability. Hard Rock Maple is known for its tight grain structure, which resists knife marks and minimizes the appearance of scratches, making it an ideal material for cutting boards. It’s tough enough to withstand daily use while being gentle on knives, helping to preserve their sharpness for longer. A huge plus for me!
- Generous Size and Thickness–I love and appreciate that this cutting board is available in various sizes, with the most popular models offering generous dimensions that provide ample space for all types of food prep. With a thickness that ranges from 1.5 to 2.25 inches, it offers a sturdy platform for chopping, slicing, and even carving large cuts of meat. The substantial weight and thickness also prevent the board from sliding around during use, ensuring safety and stability while working.
- Easy to Maintain– I have found that Maintaining this cutting board is simple and straightforward. To clean, you can easily wipe it down with warm water and mild soap. For deeper cleaning, a mixture of vinegar and water can help to remove stubborn stains. To keep the wood looking its best and to prevent it from drying out, it is recommended to treat the board periodically with mineral oil or another food-safe wood conditioner. Regular maintenance will keep the wood nourished and enhance its natural beauty, ensuring that your cutting board looks and performs like new for years.
- Attractive and Functional Design–The aesthetic appeal of this cutting board is undeniable. With its rich, golden hues and smooth surface, it adds a rustic charm to any kitchen while being a professional-grade tool for serious chefs. The block style also provides a stable base for more precision-driven tasks, such as dicing or filleting. Whether you’re preparing a home-cooked meal or displaying it as a centerpiece for a dinner party, this cutting board is sure to impress.
Why Choose a Reversible Cutting Board?
Ok, one of my favorite things about this cutting board is the flexibility for it to be reversible! Choosing a reversible cutting board has several advantages over non-reversible boards. For one, it effectively doubles the lifespan of the board since both sides can be used, minimizing wear and reducing the likelihood of deep grooves that can harbor bacteria. I have also found that reversible boards are especially helpful for when I prepare a wide variety of foods, as I can designate one side for raw meats and the other for vegetables or fruits, reducing the risk of cross-contamination, but also keeping clean up less!
While the initial cost of a John Boos Reversible Block Cutting Board may be higher than some plastic or bamboo alternatives, it’s important to view it as a long-term investment. Its durability and classic design ensure that it will stand the test of time. I find that the cutting board, with proper care, becomes a cherished kitchen tool that lasts for decades. It’s a piece that ages gracefully and only gets better with time, developing a patina that speaks to years of cooking and memories created in the kitchen.
Why Switch to Non-Toxic Cutting Boards?
So, over all, while plastic cutting boards may seem like a convenient and inexpensive option, the risks they pose to your health are not worth overlooking. BPA, phthalates, microplastics, and the potential for bacterial growth make plastic boards a less-than-ideal choice for safe food prep. Over time, the chemicals in plastic can leach into your food, potentially leading to long-term health problems like so many other things I have talked about here on the blog.
When it comes to food preparation, using non-toxic cutting boards is crucial to to me, and I hope you can see why! These three cutting board options HERE, come in different sizes, and I highly recommend them for your cutting surface. These three I have reviewed are great choices when choosing boards that are eco-friendly, durable, and practical.
So, by choosing the best non-toxic cutting boards, you’re improving your kitchen’s functionality and taking a stand for your health and the environment. Next time you’re gearing up to chop some vegetables or prepare your favorite recipe, reach for one of my favorite knife-friendly surfaces and feel good about the choices you’re making in the kitchen for you and your family! I know I have not regretted it!
