Food safety
Store raw food below ready-to-eat food
Seal raw meat, poultry, and seafood on the lowest shelf, with ready-to-eat food above.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-09
Why it matters
Dripping raw juices can contaminate cooked food, fruit, or food that will not be cooked again.
Wrong action
Placing unsealed raw meat above cooked food or washed fruit.
Correct action
Seal raw food in a tray on the lowest shelf and keep covered ready-to-eat food above.
What to do
- Check raw packaging and place it in a leak-proof container.
- Reserve the lowest shelf for raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
- Clean any drip and wash hands before touching ready-to-eat food.
If something happens
If anyone becomes severely ill, vomits repeatedly, has breathing difficulty, or becomes unresponsive after eating, stop serving, call 999, and keep packaging and remaining food.
Sources and review
- Centre for Food Safety — Five Keys to Food Safety guidance
Last reviewed: 2026-09-09
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.