How to pick an easy-to-clean non-toxic cutting board – to keep harmful microplastics away from your food

The humble chopping board is a kitchen essential that comes into direct contact with so much of our food, so it's vital to pick a non-toxic one to protect your health.

New studies continue to prove the dangerous effects of microplastics on the human body and the planet, so if you have a toxic one on your countertop, our kitchen experts say it's time to swap it for an easy-to-clean and safe one instead.

Here, our kitchen editor, a trained chef and lover of all thing non-toxic reveals how to make the best choice when making a toxic chopping board swap.

Which cutting boards are considered toxic?

Lydia Hayman, trained chef and kitchen editor here at Homes & Gardens, warns, 'Many nutritionists and medical experts are concerned that plastic chopping boards can release microplastics when you are cutting and slicing, with research suggesting these microplastics may contribute to various health issues.'

A recent study published in Nature Medicine found an increase in micro and nanoplastic concentrations in the brain, kidney and liver of humans. The extent of the damage it can cause is unclear, but some studies have linked it to inflammation and risks to heart health too.

Indeed, a study entitled Impacts of microplastics on health on the European Environment Agency, while noting that knowledge linking microplastics and health issues is preliminary, highlights, 'Nevertheless, research has linked microplastic exposure to adverse health impacts in humans.' Furthermore, The potential impact of nano- and microplastics on human health: Understanding human health risks on ScienceDirect cites these impacts as potentially leading to various cancers, respiratory disorders, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Laura Pensiero, renowned chef, nutritionist, culinary consultant, and registered dietitian based in New York, adds, 'Studies estimate that millions of tiny plastic particles can be generated annually through regular use of plastic cutting boards. These microplastics can contaminate food, be ingested, and accumulate in the body, raising concerns about long-term health effects.

'Emerging research suggests that microplastic buildup in the body may also contribute to chronic inflammation, endocrine disruption, and increased risks of metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurological disorders. Long-term immune disruption and persistent inflammation are also associated with a higher risk of certain cancers.'

According to various studies, such as Cutting Boards: An Overlooked Source of Microplastics in Human Food? on the National Library of Medicine, and Making meals without microplastics: Tips for safer cutting boards on The Environmental Working Group, plastic chopping boards are of particular concern, making these one of the kitchen items you need to upgrade – and quickly.

There is no more pressing microplastic switche to make in the kitchen that this.

Laura adds, 'Once ingested, the body has no natural way to break down or eliminate microplastics, leading to their long-term buildup in blood, organs and tissues.

'Additionally, plastic cutting boards may contain harmful additives such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which have been linked to endocrine disruption, developmental issues, and other adverse health effects. While some plastic cutting boards are labeled “BPA-free,” this does not account for other potentially harmful plastic byproducts that can leach into food.'

How to pick a non-toxic cutting board

So, where do you start when upgrading your meal prep kitchen essentials and overhauling toxicity for good?

Kitchen editor Lydia says, 'As a health-conscious cook, I avoid plastic boards altogether – especially since I’m working on my balancing my hormones and avoiding endocrine disruptors. Instead, I stick to wooden boards – maple is my top choice. I have a collection in all shapes and sizes for different kitchen tasks, from carving to vegetable prep.'

For a high-quality option, Lydia recommends Boos Block cutting boards, available at Amazon, which are made from premium sustainable American wood, and are a firm favorite among professional chefs, including Gordon Ramsay!

'Not only do they look beautiful in the kitchen, but their smooth surface allows knives to glide effortlessly, helping keep your blades sharp and making prep work easier,' she adds.

They're easy to clean too, with just a gentle soap and water needed. Avoid putting them in the dishwasher as the heat and harsh detergents will strip the wood of it's naturally antibacterial oils and risk warping or cracking.

Other eco-friendly, wooden alternatives include teak cutting boards, such as the Sonder Los Angeles Large Teak Wood Cutting Board available at Amazon, and acacia varieties, which are both particularly resistant to moisture and bacteria. Bamboo is another favorite with experts, which Lindsey Chastain, home cook, homesteader and recipe creator at The Waddle and Cluck, recommends.

'I generally prefer to use bamboo cutting boards, such as this Bamboo Cutting Board available at Amazon' she says, 'They are very affordable, and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.'

The only downside to any wooden non-toxic option is that it is important to care for wooden cutting boards correctly, and they can initially cost more than plastic alternatives.

'They are expensive, and they do require some upkeep, says Lydia. 'Wooden boards can stain, are one of the things you cannot put in the dishwasher, and need regular oiling to stay in top condition,' which prevents them from drying out, cracking and warping, and helps to repeal moisture and odors.

Lindsey says that she oils hers monthly, using CLARK'S Cutting Board Oil available at Amazon. 'This keeps the wood hydrated so that it doesn't get scratched up as fast. If you do get scratches, you can sand down the top layer and refinish it with stain and reoil,' which is Stanley Tucci's unusual method for cleaning a chopping board.

'But, with proper care, wooden chopping boards will last a lifetime – making them a worthwhile investment for any home cook,' assures Lydia.

Wooden varieties aren't the only viable option, either. Chef Laura also suggests rubber and silicone as alternatives, such as the non-toxic Thick Silicone Cutting Boards available at Amazon. It's durable, resistant to bacteria and dishwasher-safe.

There are titanium ones, such as the 100% Titanium Cutting Board available at Amazon, although Lydia warns these are hard on knives, dulling them quickly, which is why she recommends wood overall.

'There are some cases where you do need to use a nonporous material for your cutting board, such as when cutting raw chicken,' adds Lindsey. 'Cutting raw chicken on a wooden cutting board is a bad idea because the juices can be absorbed by the board and become toxic, trapping things like salmonella.'

In this instance, Lindsey suggests, look for BPA-free scratch resistant boards, or use stainless steel, such as this Stainless Steel Cutting Board available at Amazon.

If you're considering a glass chopping board, Head of Solved Punteha van Terheyden made a swap to one, but after three months of use has found it does indeed dull her knives. Whilst tempered glass ones are dishwasher-proof and very easy to clean, they can be slippy.

Plastic cutting boards aren't the only contributors to microplastic exposure, with other kitchen offenders including dishwasher pods, plastic bottles, disposable food storage containers, and synthetic kitchenware, Laura highlights.

To reduce exposure, consider culling these toxic items to get rid of, replacing them with non-toxic home essentials instead.

All prices correct at time of publication.

Meet our experts

Lydia Hayman

Lydia trained in cookery at Leiths School of Food & Wine, before working as a recipe editor at Mindful Chef. Since joining Homes & Gardens last year, she has tested almost every kitchen appliance on the market, and continues to prioritize non-toxic swaps in her kitchen at home, whilst also testing the latest and best non-toxic air fryers.

FAQs

What is the most hygienic cutting board?

When it comes to the most hygienic cutting boards, hardwoods, such as maple, come out on top as being the most resistant to bacteria.

It's no surprise, therefore, that celebrities love them, as seen with with Ina Garten's boos block cutting board, as spotted on her Instagram.

Banishing microplastics is all well and good, but what does non-toxic cookware really mean? Lydia has investigated this buzzword, so you don't have to.