ServSafe Manager Practice Exam

What is the correct storage practice for raw shrimp and raw steak?

1. Raw shrimp stored below raw steak

2. Raw shrimp stored next to raw steak

3. Raw shrimp stored above raw steak

4. Raw shrimp stored in the same container as raw steak

The correct answer is: Raw shrimp stored above raw steak

The correct storage practice for raw shrimp and raw steak involves placing raw shrimp above raw steak due to the importance of preventing cross-contamination. When raw proteins are stored in a refrigerator, it is crucial to keep them organized in a way that minimizes the risk of juices from one type of meat contaminating another. Raw shrimp can carry harmful bacteria, and storing it above raw steak ensures that any drippings from the shrimp do not fall onto the steak, which might not be cooked as thoroughly as the shrimp. This practice aligns with food safety guidelines, which suggest that the most likely sources of contamination, such as shellfish, should be stored above meats that require different cooking temperatures. In contrast, storing raw shrimp below raw steak can allow for contamination, while keeping them next to each other does not offer protection from drips. Additionally, placing them in the same container poses an obvious risk as any leakage can lead to cross-contamination, making it essential to keep different types of raw meat in separate containers.