What should be done with rags used on cutting boards after usage?

Rags used on cutting boards should be stored in a sanitizing solution after use. This practice is crucial for preventing cross-contamination in food safety. When rags are used for cleaning surfaces that come into contact with food, they can harbor harmful bacteria. By placing these rags in a sanitizing solution, any bacteria present are killed, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Using rags until they appear dirty or just storing them in a dry area does not effectively eliminate pathogens that may exist on them. Simply discarding them after one use may not be practical and can lead to waste if they are still usable, although it helps reduce contamination risk. However, the key point of best practice is to ensure that any cleaning material is properly sanitized before being reused to maintain a safe food preparation environment.