How should food be stored in a refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination?

To prevent cross-contamination in a refrigerator, it is essential to store raw food on the bottom shelf and cooked food above it. This method minimizes the risk of any juices or drippings from raw foods contaminating ready-to-eat or cooked foods. The lower shelf is the coldest part of the refrigerator, which is ideal for storing raw meats, poultry, and seafood, as it helps maintain a safe temperature and reduces bacterial growth.

By placing cooked foods above raw foods, you safeguard them from potential contamination that could occur from spills or drips, because cooked foods are already at a reduced risk of harboring harmful bacteria. This careful separation is a key principle in food safety to ensure that all foods remain safe for consumption.