FoodBanter.com - View Single Post

Peter A

In article >, says...

Reply at the bottom where it belongs.

> This is a fallacy. Wood does not have anti-bacterial properties. The
> microorganisms do not easily swab /off/ of dry, non-oily wood, but they're
> still there. The possibility that the block could be contaminated with a
> food allergen is another consideration. Perhaps no one in your household
> will react, but you never know about guests.
>
> Putting knives in "blocks" ie: wooden or plastic slots in holders that do
> not come apart for cleaning, is absolutely forbidden in commercial kitchens.
> If I were to be inspecting a restaurant or food premise that stored their
> knives in such a manner, I would be obliged by the provincial health code to
> write them up.
>
> Next time you're in a food premise, observe how they store their knives:
> usually in an open-air holder. Many cooks bring their own knives with them
> in a washable fabric folio.
>
> For home use, you're probably non going to contract a food-borne illness
> from a block, as long as you're sure your knives are clean every time they
> go in. The precautionary principle applies however because it's impossible
> to clean the inside of a knife block. You may be extremely careful about
> cleaning your knives, but eventually, it's going to get dirty in there, and
> some day your sister's kid might come by and stick the peanut butter knife
> in there without you knowing it. It's better if the slots go all the way
> through, since this keeps dust and insects and stuff from accumulating
> inside. Just the same, though: It's not recommended. Better to keep them
> in a clean drawer, handles out. Best to buy a hanger.
>
> -JD
>

Applying the standards of commercial kitchens to a home kitchen is just
plain silly. Shall I wear a hair net? You fret and worry about problems
that could, in theory, happen - but you do not provide even a single
instance of them actually happening. Based on your worst case approach,
one could make a case for sterilizing all kitchen utensils, wiping all
counters with bleach twice a day, never having any potential allergen in
the kitchen, and hiding under the bed all day "just in case."

Jeez, stop worrying and enjoy life!

--
Peter