To avoid cross-contamination, raw foods in a refrigerator must be stored in relation to cooked foods how?

To prevent cross-contamination, raw foods should always be stored below cooked foods in the refrigerator. This practice is critical because it ensures that any juices or bacteria from the raw foods do not drip or spill onto the cooked foods, which are ready to be served or consumed. Cooked foods are at a lower risk of harboring harmful pathogens, as they have already undergone a cooking process that kills many of these microorganisms.

By placing raw foods on the lower shelves, you create a barrier that protects the prepared food from potential contamination. This method aligns with safe food handling practices that help reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. Keeping raw and cooked foods in separate storage sections is essential, but the most effective method is to always position raw items beneath those that are fully cooked.