Proper Refrigeration Placement Of Raw Meat, Chicken, And Fish

• Place raw meat, chicken, or fish on the bottom shelf for two reasons, food scientist Susan Brewer, Ph.D. explains:   1) it’s  cooler there because warmer air rises; and 2) when on the bottom shelf, raw items cannot “drip”  (and contaminate) other foods that may not be cooked before being consumed. 

 
 
Sources:
Susan Brewer, Ph.D,, University of Illinois, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
eHow: How to Do Just About Everything  “How to Store Fruit in a Refrigerator”
USDA Fact Sheets Safe Food Handling   Refrigeration and Food Safety
USDA Factsheet: “Molds on Food”
University of Hawaii and USDA factsheet: “Store it. Don’t Ignore it!”
USDA Handbook: “Kitchen Companion”
The Today show website: “Fridge Findings: Learn Where to Store your Food” (2006)
Brewer, M.S. and Chapman-Novakofski, K. 2006.  “Meat Safety for the Consumer,” University of Illinois Extension