Appliance repair technician Andrew Brown says to extend the shelf life of your food and to avoid cross-contamination, food should be arranged as follows:
Raw Meat: Raw meat and poultry, such as beef, chicken, and pork, should be stored on the lowest shelf, where it is coldest. This prevents any juices from dripping onto other foods and causing cross-contamination.
Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt should be stored on the middle shelves of the refrigerator where the temperature is most stable.
Fresh Produce: Most fruits and vegetables should be stored in the crisper drawers to help maintain their texture and prevent them from drying out.
Deli Meats: Sliced deli meats such as ham, turkey, and roast beef should be stored in the deli drawer to keep them fresh.
Beverages: Beverages such as water, juice, and soda should be stored on the upper shelves of the refrigerator.
Eggs: Eggs should be stored in their original carton and placed on a shelf near the back of the refrigerator ideally on the bottom shelf where it is coolest, close to the evaporator coil.
Leftovers: Leftovers should be stored in airtight containers and placed on the upper shelves of the refrigerator.
Condiments: Ketchup, mayonnaise, and other condiments should be stored on the door shelves, where the temperature is less consistent.