When storing food in a refrigerator or a walk-in cooler:
Keep raw meat, poultry, fish, and seafood on the bottom shelf, away from cooked or ready to eat food.
Store raw fruits and vegetables and foods that will be reheated on the middle shelves.
Store cooked and ready-to-eat foods on the top shelves.
Protect all food from contamination by means of intact food approved packaging and containers, with tight-fitting lids. This will help protect food from any splashes, drips, or debris that may contaminate it.
Cool hot food prior to transferring to cold storage units, to ensure temperatures of the storage compartment do not go above 4°C.
Avoid over-packing the unit, as airflow is crucial for maintaining proper temperatures.
These simple steps can help prevent contamination and keep food safe.