Where should raw meat be stored relative to ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination?

• A. On the kitchen counter with ready-to-eat foods
• B. In a separate drawer with ready-to-eat foods
• C. In designated areas away from ready-to-eat foods
• D. In a nearby bin designated for waste

Answer: (C)

Cross-contamination happens when juices or surfaces contaminated with raw meat contact foods that won’t be cooked before eating. To prevent this, raw meat must be kept in a designated area that is separate from ready-to-eat foods. In practice, store it in a controlled, separate space—preferably on a lower shelf in a refrigerator and in a leak-proof container or sealed packaging—to stop any drips from reaching other items. Keeping raw meat on counters, in a drawer mixed with ready-to-eat foods, or in a bin meant for waste poses a direct risk of transferring harmful bacteria and should be avoided.