A food handler has used a cutting board to prepare raw fish. What should they do before preparing an allergen-free meal?

Cleaning and sanitizing the cutting board is essential when switching from preparing raw fish to making an allergen-free meal. This step ensures that any harmful pathogens, such as those associated with raw fish, are completely eradicated from the surface. Sanitizing goes beyond just cleaning; it involves using a chemical or heat-based method to reduce the number of microorganisms to safe levels, preventing cross-contamination and protecting diners, especially those with food allergies.

Other options may not effectively eliminate the risks. For instance, simply scraping the surface may leave behind harmful residues, while rinsing with water and detergent, although helpful, does not ensure that all bacteria are eliminated. Wiping the board with a wet cloth does not provide adequate sanitation and can spread contaminants instead of removing them. Therefore, cleaning and sanitizing is the only method that fully ensures the cutting board is safe for preparing a different meal.