Q & A - Storing Raw Meat Side by Side

Anonymous asked:

Q: Is it OK to store items like raw chicken and raw beef next to each other on a refrigerator shelf if I don't have enough room to store the chicken on a lower shelf?

A: Yes, you may store raw chicken and raw beef next to each other but do not want them in contact with each other. The rules recommend vertical storage but it is not a requirement. If the raw proteins are in contact or stored in a way that cross-contamination can/is occurring, you will be cited.