What should be the primary focus when storing food items in a refrigerator?

The primary focus when storing food items in a refrigerator should be on preventing cross-contamination. This is crucial in food safety as cross-contamination can lead to foodborne illnesses. It occurs when harmful microorganisms from one food item transfer to another, particularly when raw foods, such as meats, are stored improperly alongside ready-to-eat foods. To minimize this risk, it is important to store raw meats on lower shelves to prevent their juices from dripping onto other foods, and to keep different types of food separate.

Understanding the importance of preventing cross-contamination helps to maintain food safety, thus ensuring that the food is safe for consumption and reducing the likelihood of illness. Other considerations such as accessibility, visibility, and maximizing storage space, while useful, should not take precedence over the critical need to prevent the spread of pathogens in the refrigerator.