A Simple Guide to Colour-Coded Chopping Boards in the UK



If you’ve ever stepped into a professional kitchen, you’ve probably noticed chefs using coloured chopping boards — red, green, yellow, blue, and more. But these colours aren’t just for show. Each colour serves a specific purpose in preventing cross-contamination and maintaining proper hygiene during food preparation.

Even in the domestic kitchens throughout the UK, employing a proper chopping board colour system can make cooking safer and more efficient. Let's explore the significance of each colour and how to choose the high-quality chopping board that best suits your needs.

1. Why Coloured Chopping Boards Matter

Food safety is a top priority — whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook. Using different boards for different types of food prevents the transfer of bacteria from raw meat or fish to fresh produce or cooked dishes.

Coloured chopping boards make it immediately apparent which board to use for each food group. They're made to UK hygiene specifications (e.g. HACCP guidelines), which serve to minimise the potential risk of foodborne illness.

It's a quick, visual method of keeping your kitchen safe, efficient, and clean.

2. The Colour Code for Chopping Boards (UK Standard)

Here is the typical UK colour coding protocol most kitchens use:

Red – Raw Meat

Use the red board for slicing raw beef, pork, or lamb. This avoids cross-contamination of bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella.

Blue – Raw Fish

Raw fish and seafood are stored on the blue board. This keeps fish smells or bacteria from getting onto meat or vegetables.

Yellow – Cooked Meat

After cooking your meat, use the yellow board to slice or serve. It avoids mixing cooked food with raw food.

Green – Fruit and Vegetables

Reserve the green board for washing, chopping, and preparing fresh fruit and vegetables. It's your choice for salads, herbs, and garnishes.

Brown – Cooked Vegetables

Brown boards are usually reserved for cooked vegetables or side dishes ready to serve.

White – Bakery and Dairy

The whiteboard is ideal for bread, pastries, cheese, and dairy products. It maintains delicate foods clean and flavour-neutral.

Purple – Allergen-Free Foods

The purple chopping board is becoming increasingly popular in UK kitchens for allergen-free preparation — such as gluten-free, nut-free, or vegan food.

With this system, you know you're preparing food safely and effectively, whether for your family or clients.

3. The Right Material

Now that you've mastered the colour system, let's discuss materials. The appropriate high-quality chopping board is based on how and where you'll be using it.

Plastic Chopping Boards

  • Long-lasting and lightweight

  • Easy to wash and dishwasher-safe

  • Ideal for professional kitchens or domestic use

  • Come in all colours of the hygiene code

Plastic chopping boards are the most popular option in UK homes and commercial kitchens because they're hygienic and cheap.

Marble Chopping Boards 

  • Lovely, heavy, and classy

  • Great for presenting cheese, pastries, or desserts

  • Cool to the touch — ideal for rolling out dough or working with chocolate

  • Not suitable for heavy chopping (will blunt knives)

A marble chopping board adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen, although it's more suited as a serving board than a daily cutting board.

4. Cleaning and Safety Tips for Your Boards

Daily care makes your chopping boards clean and durable.

  • Wash after each use: Hot, soapy water or put plastic boards in the dishwasher.

  • Sanitise frequently: Apply a diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon to 1 litre of water) for thorough sanitising.

  • Replace if damaged: Boards with severe knife cuts can harbour bacteria.

  • Store individually: Store each colour board in its separate slot or rack for easy retrieval.

Pro tip: Label your boards or use a colour-coded wall chart as a quick reference in busy kitchens.

5. What Colour Boards Do You Actually Need in the Home?

You don't need all seven boards if you're preparing food at home. The majority of UK homes use:

  • Red for raw meat

  • Blue for fish

  • Green for fruit and vegetables

  • Yellow for cooked food

If you or a family member has allergies, include a purple board as well. This one addition can make your kitchen safer and more convenient.

Last Words

Knowing what colour chopping board you require isn't simply about obeying rules — it's about building a cleaner, brighter, and safer kitchen environment.

For the average home cook, a straightforward set of coloured chopping boards will keep everything tidy and bacterial-free. Add one of these to a stylish marble chopping board for serving or presentation, and you'll have both function and flair in your kitchen.

When it's time to upgrade your kitchen equipment to long-lasting, food-grade, and budget-friendly plastic chopping boards, explore the comprehensive collection available at Plastic Chopping Boards — trusted throughout the UK for quality kitchen supplies.
Location: United Kingdom

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