Plastic chopping boards are a common fixture in most kitchens today, valued for their light weight, affordability, and easy availability. But a recent viral Instagram reel by dietician Bhawesh Gupta has warned they leach toxins and microplastics into our food.  

Gupta, who has 7.2 lakh followers on Instagram, appears in a reel warning viewers to “stop using plastic chopping boards today,” claiming they release microplastics and toxic chemicals into food, which disrupts gut health and increases the long-term risks of chronic diseases. 

The reel, presented in a cautionary and advisory tone, shows Gupta explaining that every time food is chopped on a plastic board, tiny plastic particles, or microplastics, get released into the food. “Research shows that people who regularly use plastic chopping boards ingest approximately 50 g of plastic, approximately 80 million extra microplastic particles in their bodies every year. These microplastics accumulate in the body and then disrupt our gut health. They increase chronic inflammation in the body. They also increase the risk of metabolic diseases and even certain cancers,” he claims.  

He further argues that certain plastics also release harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors that can affect hormonal balance over time.  

So, should we stop using plastic chopping boards? 

Scientific research does suggest that plastic chopping boards may not be as harmless as they appear. A peer-reviewed study titled “Cutting Boards: An Overlooked Source of Microplastics in Human Food?” found that polyethylene and polypropylene cutting boards release significant amounts of microplastics during routine chopping. This research estimated that “a person could be exposed to 14.5 to 71.9 million polyethylene microplastics annually, compared to 79.4 million polypropylene microplastics from chopping boards.”  

The researchers concluded that chopping ingredients, such as vegetables, on two specific types of plastic boards —polyethylene and polypropylene —releases microplastics that can cling to the food we eat. Supporting this, a 2022 study found similar microplastic release into meat products, while another study reported contamination of fish, chicken, and meat sold in markets where plastic boards were commonly used. 

Microplastics — tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size — have now been detected everywhere from clouds and rivers to soil and even human bloodstreams. Their persistence and ability to absorb toxic chemicals raise concerns about long-term health effects. A study revealed that patients with microplastics and nanoplastics detected in arterial plaque had a significantly higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death within 34 months compared to those without detectable levels. 

The risks may go beyond cardiovascular health. A 2025 experimental review examined intestinal impacts in animals after ingestion of plastic particles generated by chopping on cutting boards. The study found that polypropylene (PP) particles increased markers of intestinal inflammation, while polyethylene (PE) particles altered the composition of gut microbes. Although the exact clinical significance of these changes remains unclear, the findings raise questions about whether different plastics may have distinct effects on gut health and whether the harm stems from the particles themselves, the leaching of additives such as phthalates and metals, or particle size and shape. 

Another 2021 review highlighted that substances such as phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) — all classified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) — can leach from everyday plastic products, including cutting boards. These chemicals interfere with “normal hormonal actions. Phthalates are a series of chemical substances, which are mainly used as plasticizers added to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics for softening effects. Phthalates can potentially disrupt the endocrine system. Health concerns regarding the detrimental impacts of phthalates on the development and reproductive system have been raised in recent decades. Compared to adults, children are much more vulnerable and sensitive to phthalate exposure, especially during early growth.”  

Concerns about hygiene add another layer to the debate. A 2025 study conducted in a Brazilian city examined the handling practices and microbiological characteristics of wooden and plastic cutting boards in households. Researchers collected 100 boards and analysed them for bacterial contamination using sonication and scanning electron microscopy. The survey results showed that “87% of food handlers used the same board for all foods, and 75% had used their board for over two years. Plastic boards had higher counts of aerobic mesophilic bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae (p < 0.05). However, newer wooden boards also showed high bacterial counts (p < 0.05). L. monocytogenes was detected in 3% of samples, and E. coli in 5%, with no significant differences between materials. These findings highlight cutting boards as potential cross-contamination sources and emphasise the presence of L. monocytogenes. Proper handling practices are essential to reducing contamination risks, especially in households.” 

Dr Bushra Khan, Fertility Specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, Pune, explained that there is some truth to the concerns about plastic chopping boards. 

“To a certain level, this claim is true. If external plastics can affect our hormones and body tissues, then definitely, when ingested, they can have an impact. Tiny plastic particles (microplastics) from chopping boards may go into your food without you even realising, and in the long run, they can cause oxidative stress,” she said. 

She elaborated on oxidative stress, describing it as the imbalance where the body’s cells die faster than they can regenerate. “When oxidative stress increases, cells start dying very quickly. That is why we need antioxidants to repair that. But constant exposure to plastics, harsh chemicals, or even poor-quality cosmetics contributes to this damage. Over time, the damage becomes irreparable,” she added. 

From a reproductive health perspective, Dr Khan highlighted that microplastics and chemicals like BPA can disrupt the body’s hormonal axis. “We have hormones secreted from the brain and others from the ovaries and testes. When exposed to harmful plastics and chemicals, this axis gets disrupted. That affects testosterone, estradiol, FSH, LH — all crucial hormones. The result can be poor egg quality, lower sperm count, reduced motility, or even testicular or ovarian damage. In women, it may lead to poor placental development or recurrent miscarriages,” she explained. 

She also noted that younger women are particularly vulnerable. According to her, exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BPA is contributing to declining egg reserves even in girls in their teens and early 20s. “I have seen many young girls losing their egg count at a very early age. These plastics are hormone dysregulators. They disturb normal cycles, reduce egg number and quality, and can lead to irregular periods,” she said. 

On hygiene concerns, Dr Khan who has 14 years of experience,  agreed with the possibility of microbial growth on chopping boards. “Let’s be practical. Any crevice — any small groove formed by a knife — if not cleaned properly, will trap microorganisms and cause infection,” she cautioned. 

However, she emphasised that this problem is not unique to plastic. “Microorganisms are not limited to plastic boards. Even wood can chip and harbour bacteria if not cleaned properly. Stainless steel, too, comes in different grades — some safer than others. Whatever the material, it needs to be cleaned well, maintained, and replaced regularly,” she advised. 

She recommended that if someone is using plastic boards, they should ensure the boards are of better quality, BPA-free, washed frequently with good detergents, and replaced often. From both a health and sustainability perspective, she added, “it is sensible to shift to wooden, bamboo, or stainless-steel boards of good quality.” 

Also read: Simple ways to reduce microplastics in what you eat and drink