After trimming raw chicken on a cutting board, what must be done before using it to prep vegetables?

Before using a cutting board that has been in contact with raw chicken to prepare vegetables, it is crucial to wash, rinse, and sanitize the board. This step is vital to prevent cross-contamination, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. Raw chicken is known to carry harmful bacteria, including Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can easily transfer to other foods if proper sanitation practices are not followed.

Washing the board with hot soapy water removes any food particles and visible debris. Rinsing ensures that any soap residue is eliminated. Finally, sanitizing the board kills any remaining bacteria, significantly reducing the risk of contamination when preparing other foods, such as vegetables.

The other options would not adequately ensure food safety. Simply drying the board may leave bacteria intact, while wiping it with a damp cloth would not effectively remove harmful microorganisms. Allowing the board to sit until the end of the shift poses a significant safety risk, as it could harbor bacteria for an extended period. Therefore, thorough cleaning and sanitizing of the cutting board is essential before it can safely be used for preparing other foods.