In a refrigerator, which of the following should be placed at the top of a shelf?

In a refrigerator, ready-to-eat (RTE) food should be placed at the top of a shelf to prevent cross-contamination. This positioning is crucial as RTE foods are those that are already prepared and can be consumed without further cooking. Keeping these items on the top shelf ensures that they are not exposed to drippings or juices from other, potentially hazardous foods that are stored below them, such as raw meat or poultry.

By placing RTE food at the top, you prioritize the safety of ready-to-eat items, which are susceptible to bacterial contamination if they come into contact with raw foods. This practice aligns with food safety guidelines that dictate proper storage methods within a refrigerator to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.