How should food be stored to prevent cross-contamination?

The correct approach to storing food in a manner that prevents cross-contamination is to keep ready-to-eat foods above raw meats. This practice is critical because raw meats can harbor harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella or E. coli. If raw meats are stored above ready-to-eat foods, there is a risk that juices from the raw meats could drip down and contaminate the foods that are meant to be consumed without further cooking. By placing ready-to-eat foods higher up, any potential contamination from raw meats is minimized, ensuring that the food being served is safe for consumption.

Proper food storage practices are essential in food safety, where the goal is to maintain a clean and hygienic environment that reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses.