In a refrigerator, where should ready-to-eat foods be stored relative to raw animal products to prevent cross-contamination?

• A. Below raw animal products
• B. Above raw animal products
• C. On the same shelf as raw meat
• D. In a separate freezer

Answer: (B)

Store ready-to-eat foods higher in the refrigerator than raw animal products. This placement prevents cross-contamination from meat juices, since any drips tend to flow downward and won’t reach items that are above. Keeping raw meats on lower shelves and in sealed trays is a common safety practice for this reason. Storing ready-to-eat foods on the same shelf as raw meat or below it increases the risk that juices could contaminate those foods, and using a separate freezer doesn’t address cross-contamination inside the refrigerator.