New York City Food Protection Practice Test

To prevent cross-contamination, where should raw foods be stored in relation to cooked foods?

1. Above cooked foods

2. Same shelf as cooked foods

3. Below cooked foods

4. Next to cooked foods

The correct answer is: Below cooked foods

Storing raw foods below cooked foods is crucial for preventing cross-contamination. This practice is based on the understanding that raw foods, especially meats, can harbor harmful bacteria that can transfer to other foods if proper care is not taken. By placing raw foods at a lower level, any juices or drippings from the raw items are less likely to come into contact with prepared foods, thereby reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. This stacking order aligns with food safety guidelines that emphasize the importance of protecting ready-to-eat foods from any potential contamination sources. It is essential to maintain this separation not only during storage but also during preparation and serving to ensure food safety is prioritized.