Utah Food Safety Practice Test

Where should raw meat be placed in a refrigerator?

1. On the top shelf

2. On the middle shelf

3. On the bottom shelf

4. In the vegetable drawer

The correct answer is: On the bottom shelf

Placing raw meat on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator is the safest practice for food storage. This location minimizes the risk of cross-contamination, as raw meat can release juices that may contain harmful bacteria. By storing it on the bottom shelf, any potential drips from the meat do not fall onto other foods, particularly those that are ready-to-eat, like fruits and vegetables, which could lead to foodborne illness. The bottom shelf is also the coldest part of the refrigerator, which helps maintain the meat at a safe temperature. It’s important to keep meat properly wrapped to contain juices and prevent any contamination from spreading within the fridge. In contrast, placing raw meat on higher shelves could potentially expose other food items to drips, increasing the chances of contamination.