What is the correct order of food storage in a refrigerator?

The correct order of food storage in a refrigerator is essential for minimizing the risk of cross-contamination and ensuring food safety. The rationale behind the correct answer involves understanding the risk levels associated with various types of food.

Ready-to-eat food should always be stored at the top shelf of the refrigerator because it doesn’t require cooking or any further preparation that kills bacteria. This positioning helps prevent dripping or contamination from raw foods stored below.

Seafood and whole cuts of beef and pork are less risky than ground meats and poultry because they are less likely to harbor harmful bacteria when kept intact and unprocessed. Whole cuts can be stored below seafood since they present a lower risk, while ground meat should be placed below these categories, as it has a greater surface area that can harbor bacteria due to being minced and mixed.

Finally, whole poultry is the most potentially hazardous food item, as it can carry pathogens throughout its surface. That's why it should be stored at the bottom of the refrigerator. This is to prevent juices from contaminating other foods, especially those that are ready-to-eat or require less cooking.

This order maximizes safety by keeping the highest-risk items lowest, where any potential drips can be contained away from foods that are consumed without cooking.