Which storage practice helps prevent cross-contamination between raw meat and ready-to-eat foods?

• A. Store raw meat on higher shelves away from ready-to-eat foods.
• B. Store raw meat on lower shelves away from ready-to-eat foods.
• C. Store raw meat on the same shelf as ready-to-eat foods.
• D. Store raw meat in the freezer at all times.

Answer: (C)

Preventing cross-contamination when storing foods means keeping raw animal products separate from foods that won’t be cooked before eating. Raw meat can carry bacteria in its juices, and those juices can contaminate ready-to-eat foods if they come into contact or if drips reach them. The safest approach is to place raw meat on the lowest shelves in the refrigerator and keep it in leak-proof, sealed containers. That way, any drips flow away from other foods and cannot contaminate them.

Storing raw meat on higher shelves or on the same shelf as ready-to-eat foods increases the risk of contamination, since juices can reach ready-to-eat items. Storing raw meat only in the freezer isn’t practical for routine handling, since many foods need to be thawed and moved to refrigeration for safe use.