Why change a cutting board when using raw and cooked chicken?

It is recommended to use separate cutting boards for raw and cooked chicken to prevent cross-contamination. Cross-contamination occurs when bacteria from raw meat or poultry is transferred to other foods, such as cooked meats, vegetables, or fruits. This can make the other foods unsafe to eat.

Raw chicken can contain harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella and Campylobacter. These bacteria can be killed by cooking the chicken to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). However, if raw chicken comes into contact with other foods before it is cooked, the bacteria can be transferred to those foods. This can make the other foods unsafe to eat, even if they are cooked.

To prevent cross-contamination, it is important to use separate cutting boards for raw and cooked chicken. This will help to ensure that the cooked chicken is safe to eat. In addition, it is important to wash your hands after handling raw chicken and before handling any other foods.