To prevent cross-contamination, where should raw foods be stored in a refrigerator?

To prevent cross-contamination in a refrigerator, raw foods should be stored below cooked foods. This practice is essential because raw foods, especially meats and poultry, can contain harmful bacteria that pose a risk of contamination. By placing raw foods on lower shelves, any juices or drips from these foods will not fall onto cooked foods, which are ready to eat. This arrangement helps ensure that cooked foods remain uncontaminated and safe for consumption.

Storing raw foods above or beside cooked foods increases the risk of juices from raw products leaking onto those that are already prepared, which could result in foodborne illnesses. Keeping raw and cooked foods in separate containers also supports hygiene but does not address the vertical arrangement issue that is critical in preventing cross-contamination. Thus, storing raw foods below cooked foods is the most effective strategy to maintain food safety in refrigeration.