Where in the refrigerator should you store raw meat? It’s common practice to use the lowest shelf to store raw meat to ensure that any juices that may drip from the meat don’t go onto food below them. It is also recommended to use a utensil or plate underneath the meat.
We are aware that we have to be cautious with the meat as well as the surfaces it is exposed to. Many of us freak out at the thought of dealing with raw meat while others simply deal with it and do not have any issues.
The handling of raw meat requires careful handling and prudence. Raw meat has been known to contain bacteria that could cause food poisoning and illnesses. This is the reason there are specific guidelines for cooking the majority of raw meats to a specified temperature before eating them.
The storage of raw meat in the fridge is straightforward but there are a few things to keep in mind.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of storing fresh meat in the refrigerator. There are some excellent ideas and topics to discuss to be secure and well-informed about this topic.
Continue reading to find out how to store meat that is raw in the fridge, and more.
In This Article
The Storage of Raw Meat In The Fridge
Storing raw meat should be easy, right? You can purchase it in packages at the butcher’s shop or a local supermarket and then put it into the refrigerator when you’re ready to make use of it. What else do you need to be aware of?
While this is an overview of the basics, there are other aspects to remember.
In the beginning is there a specific method to store it or in a specific location in the refrigerator? How long should you keep meat that is raw in the refrigerator? Can fresh meats be left unattended?
There are many things to consider in this article, and a few best methods to keep in mind. It is not a good idea to be at risk of contaminating other food items in your refrigerator or suffering from food poisoning due to improper handling of meat that is raw.
If you are storing fresh meat in the fridge regardless of whether you’re putting fresh meat in the fridge or placing the meat in the refrigerator to let it thaw out, it is important to be taking a few precautions to shield other foods stored in the refrigerator from becoming contaminated.
It is ideal if you can store your meat in its raw state on the lower shelf of your refrigerator.
If for any reason, juices did escape from the packaging, this will make sure that they don’t fall into other food items which you’ve kept in the refrigerator. You may need to wash your shelves, but there would not be any risk of contamination.
Another thing to keep in your mind is that it is recommended to put your meat that is raw in a container, or on the plate when covered in butcher paper specifically in the case of thawing meat.
This is another method to keep those juices contained and stop them from spreading.
A large portion of meat that is raw is packaged in Styrofoam containers for dishes. It is not necessary to place them in a container or on the plate if they’ve got an incline. When the food is placed with butcher’s parchment or similar material it is recommended to put it in some kind of container to hold the juices.
What Is The Reason For The Bottom Shelf of The Refrigerator?
Although no law states that you must keep the meat you have cooked in a particular place There are some guidelines to store it. Raw meat may impact other food items in the refrigerator if not properly stored.
It’s been said that cross-contamination is a problem and that’s the thing you want to avoid when you put things like raw beef, raw chicken fish, or other kinds of meat that is raw in your refrigerator.
It isn’t a good idea for that raw meat to come in contact with any other food item or to share its juices from raw meat with anything else.
The ideal place to store your meats to avoid cross-contamination is the bottom of your refrigerator. The lower shelf is great well for this. We generally don’t suggest the use of drawers unless you have a fridge with special meat drawers.
The bottom shelf is the perfect spot! Leave that area open to the meat that is raw and assign it a particular spot in that spot.
How Long Can You Keep Meat That Is Raw In The Fridge?
There are many different varieties that you can get from raw meat. There are steaks, ground hamburgers, lamb or chicken. This list could go on forever. There are many identical different types of meat, but the general most common rule is five days or more.
Take a look at this chart for more details. We’ve included freezer storage in the chart to aid in reference.
| The type of meat | Refrigerator | Freezer |
| Beef (any cut) | 3 to 5 days | For up to 12 months |
| Chicken/Poultry | 3 to 7 days | To 12 months |
| Pork (any cut) | Three days | To 12 months |
| Fat fish (salmon) | 1 to 2 days | About 3 months |
| Other fish | For up to 3 days | From 6 to 12 months |
As you will see, the timeframe for how you keep your meat that is raw in the fridge can be different according to the kind of meat that it is.
The majority of seafood is limited in the length of time it can be kept. The suggested timeframe for the majority of fatty seafood and shellfish is a maximum of three days for refrigerated storage.
Seafood is generally more prone to the growth of bacteria the longer kept. This is due to the food item as well as the environment in the environment it comes from.
If it’s about pork or beef the timelines listed above apply to almost any type of meat. No matter if you are using ground roast, steaks, or any other of these types of meat, the timeline will remain the same for the most part.
Poultry and related foods regardless of whether it’s breasts, thighs, or a different cut of chicken, are also available in shorter periods. Fish and chicken are two of the riskiest foods for cross-contamination.
How Can Raw Meat Last More Time In The Fridge?
The first thing you need to do is make sure you double-check whether the temperatures are right for your refrigerator. We assume that our fridges are at the right temperature. be.
If you keep meat that is raw in your refrigerator the temperature within the fridge must be in the range of 38-40°F.
This specific temperature can slow down the growth of bacteria present in the meat you’ve just cooked. It decreases the chance of cross-contamination. It also helps keep the meat fresh for the longest time possible.
Although it won’t prevent bacteria from spreading it can make it develop extremely slow and help protect your food in general.
There are thermometers in refrigerators that you can determine the temperature. It is also possible to make use of a candy thermometer or glass thermometer for kitchen use to check the temperature.
To test the temperature without a thermometer built-in, fill an empty glass with water and place the thermometer inside. The glass should be kept in the refrigerator for around 8 hours.
You may be able to keep the thermometer in the glass, or return it and put the thermometer inside the glass inside the refrigerator. If your fridge’s temperature isn’t within the range recommended, you can adjust the temperature of your fridge to a safe range and after that, test it.
Below are some other suggestions to store your refrigerator:
- Make sure to only open the fridge only when it is necessary to keep the correct temperature.
- Make sure to regularly clean the refrigerator and disinfect surfaces.
- Utilize the shelf on the bottom and an empty plate or container.
- If you have meat in the refrigerator, you can plan to make use of it as quickly as possible or store it in the freezer.
Can I Leave Unprotected Raw Meat In The Fridge?
It is best to not leave your meat unattended in the refrigerator. Even if you put the meat out to be brought to temperatures at room temperature, you’ll need some form of cover. If you choose that you will cover the item with a wrapper or even a lid, it’s important to protect it.
Be aware of the fact that raw meat can be an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. The best method to safeguard it is to adhere to all the safety guidelines.
Do not let it sit in the open because it could not only develop bacteria but could also share bacteria with the refrigerator.
Like the majority of things you keep in the fridge, keeping it unattended is not the best idea.
FAQs
What Are The Dangers With Raw Meat?
Bacteria such as listeria Salmonella E. coli, and campylobacter are among the most serious dangers that can be posed by raw meat.
They can lead to illness and food poisoning. This is the reason it’s essential to take care when handling raw meat – and then cook it before eating!
Can I Leave Raw Meat In The Fridge For A Night?
Absolutely! As long as you utilize it within a few days and you store it correctly it should be good.
The most efficient method to defrost frozen meat is to put it in the fridge for a night regardless, and either way, you’ll likely need to keep the meat that is still raw in your fridge at some time.
