Question

How should raw animal meat be stacked in the refrigerator shelves prior to cooking?

Options:
A) Top shelf
B) Bottom shelf
C) Any shelf, no specific order
D) In a separate compartment

Answer 1

Raw animal meat should be stored on the bottom shelf of the fridge to prevent cross-contamination. Jams and dried meats can be stored without refrigeration because their preservation methods inhibit bacterial growth.

Step-by-step explanation:

Raw animal meat should always be stored on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator prior to cooking. This is a safety measure to prevent any juices from the raw meat, which may contain bacteria, from dripping and contaminating other foods stored below. The safest practice is to place raw meat on the bottom shelf in a sealed container or wrapped securely to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

Reasons for Jams and Dried Meats Not Requiring Refrigeration

Jams and dried meats often do not require refrigeration to prevent spoilage due to the preservation techniques used during their preparation. Jams typically have a high sugar content, which acts as a preservative by drawing water out of the microbial cells, reducing moisture content and thereby inhibiting the growth of bacteria and molds. Dried meats, meanwhile, have a reduced moisture content due to the drying process, making the environment less hospitable for microbial growth. Both processes extend the shelf-life of these foods even when they're not refrigerated.