Why should meat be chopped up on a different board from vegetables?

Raw meat can contain harmful bacteria that can contaminate other foods if they come into contact with them. Cooking meat at a high enough temperature will kill the bacteria, but it is important to avoid cross-contamination in the first place.

Chopping up meat and vegetables on different boards is one way to help prevent cross-contamination. It is also important to wash your hands, knives, and cutting boards thoroughly after handling raw meat.