Raw fish should be stored above what type of meat in a refrigerator?

Raw fish should be stored above cooked ready-to-eat items in a refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination. This is crucial because raw fish may carry harmful pathogens that can be transferred to cooked items, which are already safe for consumption. If raw fish drips or leaks, any bacteria present could contaminate the cooked foods, potentially leading to foodborne illnesses.

The practice of storing raw fish above cooked items aligns with food safety standards that prioritize keeping raw and ready-to-eat foods separate. This ensures that the risk of contaminating food that is served without further cooking is minimized, thereby protecting public health. It is vital to maintain this hierarchy in your refrigerator to uphold safe food handling practices.