Where should raw meat be stored in the fridge to prevent cross contamination?

Where should raw meat be stored in the fridge to prevent cross contamination?

• A. Top shelf
• B. Middle shelf
• C. Bottom shelf
• D. Door rack

Answer: (C)

Keep raw meat on the bottom shelf of the fridge. This helps prevent cross-contamination because any juices are least likely to reach other foods stored on higher shelves. Placing it at the bottom also makes it easier to catch any leaks in a tray or plate, and keeping the meat tightly wrapped or in a leak-proof container further reduces exposure to other foods. The door rack is too warm and experiences more temperature fluctuation, which can encourage microbial growth, and storing raw meat on the top or middle shelves increases the chance that juices will contaminate foods above or beside it.

Keep raw meat on the bottom shelf of the fridge. This helps prevent cross-contamination because any juices are least likely to reach other foods stored on higher shelves. Placing it at the bottom also makes it easier to catch any leaks in a tray or plate, and keeping the meat tightly wrapped or in a leak-proof container further reduces exposure to other foods. The door rack is too warm and experiences more temperature fluctuation, which can encourage microbial growth, and storing raw meat on the top or middle shelves increases the chance that juices will contaminate foods above or beside it.