How should food be stored in the refrigerator to prevent contamination?

Storing raw foods below cooked foods in the refrigerator is essential for preventing cross-contamination. This practice helps to minimize the risk of harmful bacteria from raw foods, such as meat, poultry, and seafood, coming into contact with foods that are ready to eat. When raw foods are placed above cooked foods, any drips or spills from the raw items can contaminate the cooked items, which could lead to foodborne illnesses.

Proper storage guidelines recommend that cooked foods should be placed on higher refrigerator shelves, ensuring that their surfaces remain uncontaminated. By keeping raw and cooked foods separate in this manner, you create a safer food environment, which is critical in any food safety protocol. This approach also supports maintaining the overall quality of cooked foods, as they are less likely to absorb any potential contaminants.

This practice is based on the principle of maintaining a clean and sanitary environment for food storage, which is foundational in food safety standards.