Why Does Raw Meat Go on the Bottom Shelf of the Fridge?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why does raw meat go on the bottom shelf of the fridge?

The Big Idea

Raw meat goes on the bottom shelf of the fridge so its juices cannot drip onto other foods! Raw juices can carry germs, and a leak can spread them across the fridge. On the bottom shelf, drips cannot land on ready-to-eat foods below.

Drips Fall Down

Step one: drips fall down. Gravity pulls liquids downward, just like rain. If raw meat leaks, the juices drip onto whatever sits below.

Germs in Juices

Step two: germs in juices. Raw meat juices can carry germs such as Salmonella. Foods like salad, fruit, and leftovers are eaten without more cooking, so the germs would not be killed.

Smart Shelving

Step three: smart shelving. Keep raw meat on the lowest shelf, on a plate or in a container. Keep ready-to-eat foods above it, where nothing can drip on them, and keep the fridge door closed.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look at the fridge shelves! Ready-to-eat foods and leftovers sit on top. Dairy and eggs sit in the middle. Raw meat sits at the bottom, where nothing is under its drips. And washed produce goes in the drawers.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Raw meat sits low so nothing sits under its drips. A tray or plate under meat catches leaks. Wrap raw meat well in its package, or seal it in a bag. A grown-up reorganizes the fridge, and you wash hands afterward.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, look at the shelves in your fridge. Decide where raw meat should go. Explain why to someone. Then explain your answer to someone.

Outro

Raw meat goes on the bottom shelf so its drips cannot spread germs. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!