How should raw meat be stored in a refrigerator?

Storing raw meat on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator is crucial for food safety. This practice minimizes the risk of cross-contamination from drips or spills that can occur when the juices from raw meat come into contact with other foods. By placing raw meat at the bottom, any liquids that may leak are contained and do not drip onto ready-to-eat foods located on higher shelves.

This storage method is essential because ready-to-eat foods, such as vegetables, salads, or cooked meals, do not undergo further cooking that would kill potential pathogens. Therefore, they need to be kept away from raw meats to prevent contamination.

Additionally, keeping raw meat in a dedicated drawer, while also effective, may not be as universally applicable, since not all refrigerators have separate drawers specifically for meats. Therefore, positioning it on the bottom shelf is a more widely practiced and effective method in various refrigeration setups.