Describe the correct storage order in a refrigerator.

The correct storage order in a refrigerator is vital for preventing cross-contamination and ensuring food safety. Storing food according to proper guidelines minimizes the risk of harmful bacteria from raw meats contaminating ready-to-eat foods or vegetables.

When ready-to-eat foods are placed on the top shelf of the refrigerator, they are kept away from any drips or spills that might occur from raw foods stored below them. Following that, seafood is stored next, as it is often less likely to contaminate other foods compared to raw poultry and ground meats. Whole cuts of beef and pork are more stable and can be placed below seafood, followed by ground meats. Finally, poultry is always stored at the bottom because it has a higher risk of carrying harmful bacteria such as Salmonella. This order allows for a logical flow of food safety, ensuring that the least contaminated items are on top and the most potentially hazardous are at the bottom.

Other options do not adhere to these safety principles. Storing raw poultry on top or placing ready-to-eat foods on the bottom compromises food safety by increasing the risk of contamination.