The household item with the most germs
New research has found that chopping boards are up to 200 times dirtier than a toilet with an average bacteria count of 61,597 per square inch.
Poor kitchen hygiene can lead to serious illnesses caused by salmonella, E-coli and campylobacter.
The side effects of these illnesses include vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhoea.
Dr Lisa Ackerley, The Hygiene Doctor, has revealed the common mistakes people make when using a chopping board, including washing them wrong and not replacing them regularly.
“By not regularly replacing your chopping boards you are putting yourself at risk,” she said.
“Chopping boards are a dangerous source of cross-contamination if not cleaned, stored and used properly, and replaced due to wear and tear with age."
A survey commissioned in the UK by Sainsbury’s Home found 40 per cent of people are putting themselves at risk by using the same chopping board for meat and vegetables.
Those germs can contaminate any food that is prepared on the same chopping board.
Dr Ackerly explained that washing up liquid isn’t sufficient enough to clean your chopping board. Soaps help remove bacteria but it does not kill them. It is recommended that you use a disinfectant spray that is safe to use around food.
If your chopping board is scratched, it is worth investing in a new one as bacteria can easily hide in scratches and crevices.
Dr Ackerly said, “A good tip is when a board gets so rough you could snag a cloth on it, then it is time to replace it.”
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