How should food items be stored in a refrigerator?

The recommended practice for storing food items in a refrigerator emphasizes the importance of preventing cross-contamination and maintaining safe temperatures for different food types. Storing raw meats on the bottom shelf prevents their juices from dripping onto other foods, particularly ready-to-eat items, which could lead to foodborne illnesses. This arrangement also allows prepared foods, which are generally safe to consume without further cooking, to be stored above where they remain uncontaminated.

In contrast, placing all foods together can lead to issues with contamination, where juices from raw meats could contaminate fruits, vegetables, or cooked foods. Storing fruits and vegetables at the bottom or cooked foods on the bottom shelf would not be ideal either, as it could lead to unsafe cross-contamination and increase the risk of foodborne pathogens spreading in the refrigerator. Therefore, option B aligns with best practices for food safety by strategically utilizing shelf space to minimize risks.