In the kitchen, food safety starts with the simplest actions. One of the most important? Choosing the right cutting board. A detail that may seem trivial, but it can make the difference between a safe working environment and one at risk of contamination.
Why is the cutting board so important?
The cutting board is one of the most frequently used tools in the kitchen. Precisely for this reason, if not chosen and managed properly, it can become a vehicle for cross-contamination between raw foods, cooked foods, vegetables, and animal proteins.
According to recent data published by the EFSA, 45% of contaminations in the restaurant sector are linked to the incorrect use of cutting surfaces. Google searches for terms like “HACCP cutting board” or “antibacterial cutting board” have also steadily increased over the past 12 months.
The HACCP color system: simple and safe
To meet the needs of professional kitchens, the HACCP regulations introduced a very effective system: the use of color-coded cutting boards to distinguish between different food types.
Here’s a summary of the most commonly used colors:
- Red → Raw meat
- Blue → Fish
- Green → Fruits and vegetables
- White → Dairy and bread
- Yellow → Poultry
- Brown → Cooked meat
- Purple → Gluten-free foods
Using one color for each category reduces the risk of contamination and has become a standard across Europe.
Euroceppi produces professional cutting boards in colored HDPE, compliant with HACCP regulations and customizable to meet any requirement.
Polyethylene or wood? It depends on the context
The choice of material depends on the type of kitchen and how the cutting board is used.
- HDPE polyethylene: ideal for restaurants, canteens, butcher shops, and food laboratories. It does not absorb liquids, is easy to sanitize, and resists daily wear.
- Solid wood: perfect for home kitchens, traditional butcher shops, or elegant presentations. Aesthetic and natural, but requires more attention in cleaning and maintenance.
Both options, if professional-grade, ensure high performance. Euroceppi produces both HDPE300 and HDPE500 boards, as well as blocks and boards in various wood types, crafted using traditional methods and treated with food-safe coatings.
A choice that protects your work
Choosing the right cutting board means investing in your kitchen’s safety, the quality of your service, and the peace of mind of working in full compliance with regulations.
With over 100 years of experience, Euroceppi is the ideal partner for those seeking reliability, Made in Italy quality, and a complete range of solutions for professional catering.
