Evaluation of Microorganisms and Surface Damage of Wooden and Plastic Cutting Boards

Abstract

  The sanitary properties of wooden cutting boards (used/new) and plastic cutting boards (used/new with embossing) were studied. The standard plate count (SPC) and coliform count (CBC) were measured under the conditions of after washing of simulated cooking (AW), after hypochlorous acid treatment and natural drying (ASH, 0, 24, 48hrs). The antibacterial activity was examined using Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The roughness of the cutting board surfaces was measured by SURFCORDER. In the SPC, ASH was significantly lower than AW for each cutting board. ASH24hrs and ASH48hrs for new plastic cutting boards were significantly higher than others. The CBC of used cutting boards was no different between the AW and ASH, and there were no differences between wooden cutting boards and plastic cutting boards. The SPC and CBC were reduced by disinfection on all cutting boards, and there was no significant difference between wood and plastic. In the antibacterial activity test, the number of colonies of new plastic was significantly higher than other cutting boards in terms of both S. aureus and E. coli. The surface roughness of the used wooden cutting boards was less than that of the used/new plastic cutting boards. With regard to the roughness of cutting boards and the persistence of microorganisms, there was a positive correlation between the SPC with ASH0 and CBC with AW and ASH0 at the Pz as the maximum height indicating the difference in unevenness. Pa as the average roughness of the unevenness showed a positive correlation between the SPC in dried fraction. On the other hand, Pv did not show any correlation with these. There was no significant difference between wooden and plastic cutting boards in washability and disinfecting properties, survivability of bacteria, and surface roughness due to damage caused by use. These things suggest that the sanitary risk of wooden cutting boards is no different from that of embossed plastic cutting board, and that they can be used hygienically.