Plastic cutting boards dangers
Plastic cutting boards have become a kitchen staple due to their durability, affordability, and ease of cleaning. However, recent research reveals a hidden downside: they may be introducing microplastics into the food we prepare. As we chop, slice, and dice, tiny plastic particles can break off from the cutting board surface and end up in the meat and other foods we consume. Here’s what the latest studies tell us about this overlooked source of microplastic contamination, and what you can do to reduce your exposure.
How Do Microplastics Get Into Our Food from Cutting Boards?
Two recent studies investigated the role of plastic cutting boards as a source of microplastic contamination in foods like chicken and fish. Both studies found that when knives scrape against plastic cutting boards, they create tiny plastic fragments that can easily transfer onto food. This process, especially with regular use and wear of the cutting board, results in a steady release of microplastics that can end up in the meals we prepare.
Researchers observed that plastic cutting boards release small plastic particles and fibers, which then stick to the surface of chicken and fish during food preparation [1]. Another study confirmed similar findings, noting that microplastics from plastic boards could contaminate meat as a result of cutting action [2]. Both studies highlight that our everyday kitchen practices are a potential pathway for microplastics to enter our diets.
What You Can Do to Reduce Microplastic Exposure from Cutting Boards
Switching out plastic cutting boards in your kitchen may be a simple yet effective way to reduce your exposure to microplastics. Here are a few recommendations to help you make safer choices in your food preparation:
Choose Non-Plastic Cutting Boards: Opt for cutting boards made of natural materials, such as wood or bamboo. These materials are durable, food-safe, and biodegradable. Wooden cutting boards, in particular, have natural antibacterial properties and don’t shed microplastics, making them a great alternative to plastic.
Replace Worn Cutting Boards: If you still use plastic cutting boards, consider replacing them once they become heavily scratched or worn. Older, more worn boards shed more microplastics as the surface erodes from knife marks and regular use.
Use Separate Boards for Different Foods: Using separate cutting boards for different types of food (such as meat, vegetables, and bread) can help prevent cross-contamination and minimize microplastic transfer onto different foods. This is especially important if you choose to keep a plastic board for certain tasks but want to minimize potential contamination in other foods.
Embracing a Safer, More Sustainable Kitchen
As more research sheds light on the hidden sources of microplastics in our everyday lives, we have the opportunity to make informed choices that protect our health and the environment. By making small changes—such as swapping out plastic cutting boards for natural alternatives and being mindful of the materials in our kitchen tools—we can reduce our exposure to microplastics and take a step toward a healthier lifestyle.
Let’s prioritize simple but impactful changes in our kitchens. Choosing materials that are kinder to our bodies and the planet may seem like a small step, but together, they can make a big difference in reducing microplastic polution.
References
[1] Habib, R. Z., Kindi, R. A., Salem, F. A., Kittaneh, W. F., Poulose, V., Iftikhar, S. H., Mourad, A. I., & Thiemann, T. (2022). Microplastic Contamination of Chicken Meat and Fish through Plastic Cutting Boards. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, 19(20), 13442. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013442
[2] Habib, R. Z., Poulose, V., Alsaidi, R., Kendi, R. A., Iftikhar, S. H., Mourad, A. I., Kittaneh, W. F., & Thiemann, T. (2022). Plastic cutting boards as a source of microplastics in meat. Food Additives & Contaminants Part A, 39(3), 609–619. https://doi.org/10.1080/19440049.2021.2017002