Are wood cutting boards considered unsafe?

[Mucman]

I have heard two sides :

1 - Wood cutting boards are unsafe because they soak up juices of meat and harbours bacteria.

2 - Wood cutting boards are safe because the wood kills backteria.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

The answer is 2. It was thought the other way round, but studies show that pathogenic organisms fair worse on wood than any other surface.

 

[Renob]

Number 2 is right if its the right type of wood.

 

[N8Magic]

Yes.

BUT, they have to be taken care of. Every month or two they must be "seasoned", which involves rubbing them down with mineral oil and salt, so that juices from meat or vegetables don't soak in and harbour bacteria.

They are probably the safest if taken care of. Plastic ones are the worst offenders, as they cut rather easily, giving bacteria a place to hide.

(can you tell I love my wooden cutting board?)

 

[bootymac]

why not just use plastic wood cutting boards?
:Q THE FUTURE!!! :Q

 

[Mucman]

Interesting... anyone got some links on how to take care of one? My bro bought one with the idea of #2 being true, but he doesn't do any of the maintainence for it.

 

[gumbysucks]

The plastic ones are dishwasher safe , unlike wood.