How should ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous foods be stored?

Ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous foods should be stored on top shelves to prevent contamination from raw foods. This practice is crucial in maintaining food safety because it minimizes the risk of cross-contamination. When ready-to-eat foods are placed above raw foods, any drips or spills from the raw items cannot come into contact with the ready-to-eat items, which could introduce harmful pathogens.

Proper storage is essential for the safety and quality of the food being served. Keeping these foods at a higher level reduces exposure to contaminants that may be present in raw meat, poultry, or seafood, which are typically stored on lower shelves. Additionally, storing ready-to-eat foods properly helps ensure that they remain fresh and safe for consumption, aligning with food safety regulations and best practices in food service environments.