The refrigerator’s bottom drawer is the best place to keep raw meat. This is so that other food stored below it won’t become contaminated by any drips from raw meat. You would then need to throw away any food that had contact with the juice from the raw meat if this occurred.
This article will show you how to properly store raw meat in your refrigerator so that it remains safe and fresh.
Table of Contents
Where in the Refrigerator Should Raw Meat Be Stored?
Any location inside a refrigerator should be at or below 40 °F, making it safe to store food there. Check the temperature in various locations throughout the refrigerator using an appliance thermometer. To stop the juices from raw meat, poultry, and seafood from dripping on other foods, store them in containers in the refrigerator. Raw juices could have dangerous bacteria in them. Keep the fridge from being overfilled. To keep food safe, cool air must circulate.
Why Should You Store Raw Meat on the Bottom Shelf of the Fridge?
Even if you don’t have to, there is something to consider when storing your raw meat. That raw meat could contaminate other foods in the refrigerator if it isn’t handled carefully.
It’s common practice to place raw chicken, beef, fish, or other raw meat in your refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination.
You shouldn’t handle raw meat with anything else in contact with the flesh juices.
The best place to keep your meat safe from cross-contamination in your refrigerator is at the bottom. This is a great way to utilize the bottom shelf, as best as I can describe it. We don’t advise using a drawer if your refrigerator doesn’t have a meat compartment.
I’m looking for it on the bottom shelf, exactly! By leaving the rest of the space open, you can create a dedicated area just for raw meat.
- set tips for raw meat storage
- It may store meat more effectively if you follow these Tips:
- To ensure proper stock rotation, YOU should strictly adhere to the “first in, first out” rule.
- In order to keep meat separate from other foods, place it at the bottom of your freezer or refrigerator.
- When wrapping, use transparent, airtight containers.
- Your meats should be clearly labeled with the “what” and “when” details.
- Maintain the temperature of your refrigerator with care.
- When handling food, keep your hands as far away from the frozen meat as you can.
- Don’t fill your refrigerator to the gills.
Type of Container is Best for Raw Meat
Always keep raw meat in a sealed container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. This will lessen the chance of bacteria contaminating the meat.
Additionally, be sure to include the date of purchase on the labels of all containers containing raw meat. Keeping track of how long the meat has been in the refrigerator will help you cook it according to the directions.
Freezing your raw meat is an additional method to keep it fresh. By doing this, you can increase the meat’s shelf life and guarantee its safety for consumption. Use a container that can be frozen in this situation, or tightly wrap the meat in plastic.
The Bottom Shelf of a Refrigerator is Important
In order to prevent cross-contamination, raw meat must be kept on the bottom shelf of a refrigerator.
85% of the time, this cross-contamination is brought on by the raw meat’s juice dripping.
To prevent cross-contamination of other foods, raw meat should always be kept on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.
Keep your meat on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator to reduce cross-contamination.
How Long Can Raw Meat Be Stored in the Fridge?
Depending on the kind of meat you are storing, the answer to this question will vary.
For instance, a whole steak can be kept in the fridge for 3-5 days while ground beef can only be kept for 1-2 days.
To increase the shelf life of raw meat, you can also freeze it. For 3–4 months, you can freeze ground beef; for 6–12 months, you can freeze a whole steak.
It’s important to remember that frozen meat loses its freshness over time. It will eventually go bad, and you will have to discard it.
The Risks of Not Storing Raw Meat Properly
Cross-contamination is possible if raw meat is not stored properly. Because of this, raw meat’s bacteria may contaminate other foods and make you ill.
There are some other varieties of bacteria, like E. coli and salmonella, which can cause food poisoning. Food poisoning symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Food poisoning may result in hospitalization or even death in extreme circumstances. To minimize risks, it is crucial to store your raw meat properly.
Putt Cooked Chicken in Your Fridge
Another common food storage question is “Do I have to refrigerate cooked chicken?”
In fact, storing cooked chicken in the refrigerator is a smart move. In the fridge, cooked chicken will keep for three to four days. As a result, any bacteria won’t have a chance to grow and it will stay fresh. Make sure to seal the container in which you store cooked chicken, or tightly wrap it in plastic wrap, before storing it. The longer it stays fresh, the better.
Additionally, chicken that has been cooked can be frozen. It can be frozen for two to six months.
Choose the Right Fridge for Your Needs
Your food will remain fresh and wholesome with the best refrigerator brands. The size, style, and features you require should be taken into account when choosing a refrigerator. For instance, you might require a larger fridge with more storage space if you frequently entertain or have a large family.
Also available are various refrigerator models, including side-by-side, top freezer, and bottom freezer options.
Some refrigerators have unique features like ice makers and water dispensers. Having ice or cold water at the touch of a button is made possible by these features.
When making your choice, you should also take the refrigerator’s energy efficiency into account. The top refrigerator manufacturers are Samsung, LG, GE, Whirlpool, and Frigidaire.
Read about How Long Does It Take for a New Refrigerator to Cool?
Is It OK to Leave Raw Meat Uncovered in the Fridge?
It is improper to leave raw meat exposed in the refrigerator because other foods that are placed above it may release pathogens that could become trapped in the exposed raw meat.
The practical difference in spoilage time between wrapped and unwrapped food is negligible. In reality, every meal contains germs that could spread, so spotting is primarily a function of temperature.
Wrapping is used to prevent odors from transferring from one item to another, drying, and cross-contamination of one food by another through drips or splashes.
Even though the refrigerator’s body already deters infestation, wrapping provides a physical barrier.
Raw Meat Storage Comparison Between Fridge and Freezer
| Raw Meat type | Fridge | Freezer |
| Beef (any cut) | 2-5 days | 8 to 12 months |
| Chicken/Poultry | 1-4 days | For 12 months(1 year) |
| Fatty fish (salmon) | 1-3 days | For 3 months |
| Other seafood | Up to 4 days | Up to 6 months |
FAQs
Which Food Should Be Stored on the Top Shelf in a Commercial Refrigerator?
The top shelf should be reserved for ready-to-eat foods. These are foods that won’t be cooked before serving.
Should Raw Meat Be Stored above Or below Vegetables?
Raw meat, poultry, and fish must be stored below prepared or ready-to-eat food if stored in the same refrigerator.
Can Meat and Vegetables Be Stored Together?
As you’re putting your groceries away, it’s best to avoid putting any meat with your fruits and vegetables inside these drawers since storing them together can create an increased risk of cross-contamination.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, it’s crucial to protect raw meat when storing it in the refrigerator. The bottom shelf in the fridge’s back is the ideal location for storing raw meat. This will lessen the chance that the meat will come into contact with other foods and become contaminated.
To prevent leakage and cross-contamination of other foods, it is also crucial to ensure that the meat is properly wrapped. Finally, it’s crucial to thoroughly cook meat before eating it to eradicate any potential bacteria.
