Food safety is more than just washing your hands or cleaning your workspace. In any commercial kitchen — whether it’s a restaurant, hotel buffet, or catering service — preventing cross-contamination is critical. One of the most effective and affordable food hygiene practices is using colour-coded cutting boards and knives.
This guide will walk you through what each colour means, why it’s important, and how you can implement this simple but powerful food safety system in your commercial kitchen. It’s especially helpful for Sri Lankan culinary environments where multiple proteins, vegetables, and prepared foods are handled simultaneously.
What Is a Colour-Coding System in the Kitchen?
A colour-coded system assigns a specific colour of cutting board and knife to a specific type of food. This helps kitchen staff quickly identify which tools to use and avoid the risk of spreading harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli.
The Standard Colour Guide for Cutting Boards & Knives
Here’s a breakdown of the internationally recognized food safety color system, also widely used in Sri Lanka:
| Colour | Food Type | Purpose |
| 🔴 Red | Raw Meat | Beef, pork, lamb, and other uncooked meats |
| 🟡 Yellow | Cooked Meat | Grilled, roasted, or boiled meats |
| 🔵 Blue | Raw Fish & Seafood | Prawns, tuna, cuttlefish, etc. |
| 🟢 Green | Salad & Fruits | Lettuce, apples, tomatoes, etc. |
| 🟤 Brown | Vegetables (Unwashed) | Carrots, onions, potatoes |
| ⚪ White | Bakery & Dairy | Bread, cheese, pastries |
Why Is This System Important in a Sri Lankan Kitchen?
Sri Lankan cuisine is diverse, vibrant, and often complex — featuring a variety of meats, seafood, vegetables, and dairy-based dishes in one meal. Without a proper hygiene system, there’s a higher risk of cross-contamination, especially during peak hours.
Some key reasons this system is important locally:
- Many dishes include raw and cooked ingredients prepared in the same space.
- Popular foods like fried rice, biriyani, and seafood curries involve mixing various proteins.
- Buffets and catering events require bulk preparation with tight hygiene control.
- The tropical climate increases bacterial growth rates, making food safety even more critical.
Dangers of Cross-Contamination in Commercial Kitchens
Cross-contamination happens when harmful bacteria transfer from one food item to another — typically via cutting boards, knives, hands, or counters. The consequences can be severe:
- Foodborne illnesses that could harm customers
- Fines and penalties from local health authorities
- Loss of reputation and customer trust
- Closure of the business in severe cases
- Using color-coded tools is a simple, affordable, and effective way to reduce these risks.
Implementing a Colour-Coded System in Your Kitchen
1. Educate Your Staff
The first step is training your kitchen staff on the meaning of each colour and when to use it. Use posters (like the one shown above), handouts, and regular refreshers.
Pro tip: Laminate and display a colour chart in visible areas of the kitchen.
2. Invest in High-Quality Colour-Coded Sets
Make sure your cutting boards and knives are durable, non-porous, and clearly color-coded. At Daivindas.lk, we offer:
- Commercial-grade colour-coded cutting boards
- Matching professional knives for each food type
- Starter kits ideal for restaurants and caterers
3. Maintain and Replace Regularly
- Clean and sanitize tools after every use.
- Replace boards that have deep grooves — they can harbor bacteria.
- Sharpen knives regularly and keep them labeled to avoid mix-ups.
4. Use Additional Colour-Coded Tools
Extend the color-coding system to tongs, storage bins, and prep gloves to take your kitchen hygiene to the next level.
Where to Buy Food-Grade Colour-Coded Kitchen Tools in Sri Lanka
Looking to upgrade your kitchen with a professional hygiene system?
✅ Daivindas.lk offers:
- Full colour-coded cutting board sets
- Colour-coded chef knife kits
- Food-safe plastic and stainless-steel board racks
- Custom commercial kitchen solutions
All our equipment is built to suit Sri Lankan climate conditions and food prep practices.
👉 Shop Colour-Coded Cutting Boards & Knives Now
👉 Contact Us for Bulk Orders and Custom Solutions
- 0771160030 / 077 120 4227 / 031 223 7026
- info@davindas.lk
Smart Kitchens Use Smart Systems
Whether you’re managing a 5-star hotel kitchen, running a restaurant, or preparing meals at home, the right tools can save you time, money, and a whole lot of hassle.
By using colour-coded cutting boards and knives, you’re not just preventing cross-contamination — you’re building a professional, efficient, and food-safe kitchen that meets modern hygiene standards.
Let Daivindas.lk help you create a cleaner, safer, and more productive kitchen environment. Start today!