Food Manager Practice Exam

In a kitchen, cooked foods should always be stored in relation to raw foods?

1. Below

2. Above

3. Next to

4. In separate containers

The correct answer is: Above

Cooked foods should always be stored above raw foods in a kitchen to prevent cross-contamination. Raw foods, particularly those containing pathogens such as raw meat, poultry, or seafood, can drip juices or spill that may contain harmful bacteria. If cooked foods are stored below raw foods, there is a risk of these harmful substances contaminating the ready-to-eat foods, which could lead to foodborne illnesses. By placing cooked foods on shelves above raw foods, any drips from the raw foods would fall away from the cooked items, keeping them safer for consumption. This practice is critical in maintaining food safety standards and ensuring that food is handled properly to protect public health. Storing items next to each other or in separate containers does not provide the same level of protection, as there is still a risk of cross-contamination if the raw foods are placed at the same level or below the cooked foods.