What is the correct order for food storage in a refrigerator?

The correct order for food storage in a refrigerator prioritizes food safety and reduces the risk of cross-contamination. Ready-to-eat foods should be stored at the top of the refrigerator to prevent any drips from raw foods contaminating them. The proper hierarchy begins with:

1. Ready-to-eat foods: These should be placed at the top because they do not require cooking and must be kept free from any contamination.

2. Whole fish: Storing whole fish next ensures that any juices that may leak during storage do not contact other foods, especially those that are already cooked or ready to eat.

3. Whole cuts of meat: These can be positioned below whole fish, as they are typically less inclined to drip juices compared to ground meat.

4. Ground meat: This is stored at the bottom because it has the highest risk of dripping liquid that can contaminate food stored below it; it is also generally more prone to bacterial growth.

By following this order, the most hazardous food items are stored at the bottom, while those that are ready to consume and less likely to cause contamination are placed higher up, thus reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Other arrangements in the provided options disrupt this hierarchy and increase the potential for contamination.