Where should ready-to-eat foods such as pies and desserts be stored in a cooler to prevent cross-contamination?

Ready-to-eat foods like pies and desserts should be stored on the top shelf of a cooler, as this location helps prevent cross-contamination from raw foods. Raw foods, particularly meats and seafood, can harbor pathogens that could contaminate ready-to-eat items if they drip or leak. By placing ready-to-eat items above raw foods, the risk of contamination is significantly reduced, ensuring the safety of the food served to consumers.

Although storing foods in a closed container can also help minimize cross-contamination, it does not address the fundamental concern of how food is arranged in the cooler. Proper food storage hierarchy is crucial, and placing these items on the top shelf is a preventive measure against any potential spills from above.