Why raw meat in plastic bags risks cross-contamination in your fridge

Storing raw meat in its original supermarket plastic bag poses food safety risks if the packaging tears or leaks, potentially causing cross-contamination with other foods. Health agencies warn this can transfer harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. The FDA recommends keeping raw meat separate from other products and maintaining refrigerator temperatures at 4°C or below, with freezers around -18°C. Leaks from bags punctured by bones or crushed under other items can contaminate vegetables, dairy, and ready-to-eat foods. Experts suggest using sealed containers or zip-closure bags designed for food storage, especially for freezing. The USDA notes original packaging may allow air passage over time, causing freezer burn, so labeling stored meat with dates helps track preservation periods.