Sanitation Certification Practice Test

In what order should food be stored in a refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination?

1. Ground meat, seafood, whole cuts of beef, ready-to-eat food

2. Whole cuts of beef, seafood, poultry, ready-to-eat food

3. Ready-to-eat food, seafood, whole cuts of beef and pork, ground meat

4. Whole and ground poultry, ground fish, ready-to-eat food, seafood

The correct answer is: Ready-to-eat food, seafood, whole cuts of beef and pork, ground meat

The correct storage order for food in a refrigerator is crucial for preventing cross-contamination, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. In this context, the proper order places ready-to-eat food at the top. This is because ready-to-eat foods do not require any further cooking to be safe for consumption, making them the most vulnerable to contamination from other foods. Storing ready-to-eat foods above other items ensures that any drips or spills from raw or uncooked meats do not contaminate them. Below ready-to-eat foods are seafood, whole cuts of beef and pork, followed by ground meats. This arrangement reflects the general risks associated with different types of meat; whole cuts of meat may carry fewer pathogens than ground meat, as grinding can distribute bacteria throughout the product. In summary, option C reflects the safest order for food storage in a refrigerator, thereby minimizing the risk of cross-contamination and enhancing food safety.