You finished cutting up a raw chicken and put it in the oven to cook. You should:

A. Wipe the cutting board and knife with a sanitizer wipe cloth

B. Wipe your hands with a sanitizer wipe cloth

C. Run the cutting board and knife through the dishwasher

D. Wash the knife in a bucket of sanitizer and wipe the cutting board

Answer: Now that you’ve finished cutting up raw chicken and placed it in the oven, it’s essential to follow proper food safety guidelines to prevent cross-contamination and foodborne illness.

Cleaning the Cutting Board and Knife

The USDA and CDC recommend the following steps for safe cleaning:

Scrape Off Debris: Remove any leftover chicken pieces from the cutting board.

Wash with Soap and Hot Water: Scrub the cutting board and knife with dish soap and hot water. This removes bacteria and food particles.

Sanitize Properly:

If dishwasher-safe, run the cutting board and knife through the dishwasher for effective sanitization.
If washing by hand, use a diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon of unscented bleach per gallon of water) or white vinegar to sanitize the cutting board.

Dry Completely: Air-dry the cutting board upright and wipe the knife with a clean towel. Moist environments encourage bacteria growth.
Hand Hygiene

According to the CDC, washing your hands after handling raw poultry is crucial. Follow these steps:

✅ Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.

✅ Avoid using only sanitizer wipes—they do not remove grease and bacteria effectively.

Answer Evaluation

A. Wipe the cutting board and knife with a sanitizer wipe cloth ❌ (Not sufficient for thorough cleaning)

B. Wipe your hands with a sanitizer wipe cloth ❌ (Handwashing with soap is more effective)

C. Run the cutting board and knife through the dishwasher ✅ (Best option for proper cleaning and sanitization)

D. Wash the knife in a bucket of sanitizer and wipe the cutting board ❌ (Ineffective and not recommended by food safety guidelines)
Final Recommendation

The best answer is C. Run the cutting board and knife through the dishwasher, as it ensures thorough sanitization. If not dishwasher-safe, wash with hot soapy water, sanitize with a bleach solution, and let it air dry completely.

Sources:

CDC – Food Safety and Raw Poultry
USDA – Safe Food Handling
FDA – Best Practices for Food Safety