Can raw meat be stored above cooked food in a refrigerator?

Raw meat should always be stored below cooked food in a refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination. When raw meat is placed on a shelf above cooked foods, there is a risk that juices from the raw meat could drip down onto the cooked items. This can lead to the spread of harmful bacteria that are naturally present in raw meat, such as Salmonella or E. coli, compromising the safety of the cooked foods. Keeping raw meat on the bottom shelf minimizes this risk and helps maintain safe food handling practices. Proper organization within the refrigerator not only ensures food safety but also helps to maintain the quality of the cooked items.