Which arrangement in refrigeration helps prevent drip contamination from raw meats?

• A. Store raw meats above ready-to-eat foods.
• B. Store raw meats with ready-to-eat foods on the same shelf.
• C. Store raw meats at the top shelf.
• D. Store raw meats below or away from ready-to-eat foods to prevent drip contamination.

Answer: (D)

Keep raw meats on the lowest shelf or away from ready-to-eat foods to prevent drip contamination. Juices from raw meat can carry bacteria, and if these drips reach foods that will not be cooked before eating, they can cause cross-contamination. Storing raw meats above or with ready-to-eat foods increases the risk that juices will drip onto or contaminate those foods. Even placing raw meat on the top shelf isn’t a fail-safe solution because leaks can occur and reach items below. The bottom-line practice is to keep raw meats below ready-to-eat items (or in a sealed container at the bottom) to minimize any chance of drips reaching foods that are ready to eat.