Which food should always be stored above raw meats in a refrigerator?

Ready-to-eat foods should always be stored above raw meats in a refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination. This practice is crucial for ensuring food safety, as raw meats can harbor harmful bacteria that, if they come into contact with ready-to-eat foods, can lead to foodborne illnesses. Keeping ready-to-eat foods on a higher shelf minimizes the risk of juices from raw meat dripping onto them, which would compromise their safety.

When considering the other options, raw poultry, raw fish, and raw vegetables do not share the same food safety priority as ready-to-eat foods. Storing them above raw meats could result in contamination, especially since raw poultry and raw fish can also harbor pathogens. Therefore, the correct choice prioritizes the safety of foods that do not require cooking before consumption.