Which practice helps prevent cross contamination in cold storage?

• A. Separate raw and ready-to-eat products
• B. Keep all products at 70 F
• C. Overfill shelves
• D. Labeling only for some items

Answer: (A)

Separating raw and ready-to-eat products is the key practice for preventing cross contamination in cold storage. Raw animal products can carry bacteria that aren’t killed until cooking; if their juices or vapors contact ready-to-eat foods, those items can become contaminated even while the goods are kept cold. By storing raw items on separate shelves or in dedicated containers, ideally placing raw products on the bottom and keeping ready-to-eat items above or in a different area, you stop direct contact and drips from reaching foods that won’t be cooked before eating. Using sealed, clearly labeled containers and cleaning surfaces after handling raw items further reduces risk.

The other options don’t address this risk. Keeping everything at 70°F is unsafe for cold storage and promotes bacterial growth. Overfilling shelves hinders air circulation and temperature control. Labeling only some items doesn’t prevent contamination and leaves raw and ready-to-eat items vulnerable to contact.