Which food should be stored above the others in a refrigerator?

When determining which food should be stored above others in a refrigerator, cooked food items are prioritized over raw products primarily due to food safety practices. Cooked bacon, being a fully cooked product, poses minimal risk of contamination and should be positioned on the higher shelves to prevent any dripping or cross-contamination that might occur from raw items stored below.

In a refrigerator, it is essential to organize food items in a way that reduces the risk of harmful bacteria from raw meats transferring to cooked or ready-to-eat foods. Raw chicken, ground beef, and other raw meats should always be stored on lower shelves to contain any potential drips, as they can harbor dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli. Fresh vegetables are also best placed in a position where they will not be contaminated by any liquid that may escape from raw meat.

By placing cooked items on top, you create a safer food storage environment that minimizes the risk of cross-contamination, which is a fundamental principle in food safety guidelines. Thus, storing cooked bacon on a higher shelf is an appropriate practice in maintaining safe food handling.