What should you do with uncooked meat to prevent cross-contamination?

Keeping uncooked meat sealed and separate from other foods is crucial in preventing cross-contamination because it minimizes the risk of harmful bacteria from the meat transferring to other foods. Raw meat can harbor pathogens such as Salmonella or E. coli, and if it comes into contact with ready-to-eat foods (like vegetables or cooked items), it can easily contaminate those foods, leading to foodborne illnesses.

By storing uncooked meat in sealed packaging and keeping it away from other food items, you create a barrier that protects other foods from potential contaminants. This practice also helps contain any juices that might leak from the meat, which could otherwise spread bacteria.

Other options like rinsing meat or thawing it at room temperature can inadvertently increase the risk of spreading bacteria. Storing it on the top shelf may seem like a way to keep it separate, but if juices drip down onto other foods, it could lead to cross-contamination.