Texas Food Safety Managers Practice Test

What is the correct way to store raw meat in a refrigerator?

1. On a middle shelf

2. On the bottom shelf

3. On the top shelf

4. In the crisper drawer

The correct answer is: On the bottom shelf

Storing raw meat in a refrigerator on the bottom shelf is the safest practice. This location is ideal because it prevents any juices from the raw meat, which could contain harmful pathogens, from dripping onto other foods stored below. The bottom shelf is typically the coldest part of the refrigerator, which helps maintain the meat at a safe temperature and inhibits bacterial growth. Placing raw meat on a middle or top shelf increases the risk of cross-contamination, as juices can easily leak onto ready-to-eat foods, potentially leading to foodborne illness. The crisper drawer, while designed for fruits and vegetables, should not be used for raw meat since it may not maintain the optimal temperature required to keep the meat safe and can also lead to contamination of the produce. Therefore, the bottom shelf is the best choice for the safe storage of raw meat.