Keeping meat in the same plastic bag it came in from the supermarket or butcher shop may seem like a practical solution, but it poses risks to food safety. If the packaging tears, leaks, or isn't designed to properly preserve the food, health problems can arise.
The main risk isn't the plastic itself, but the possibility of raw meat juices coming into contact with other foods. This can cause cross-contamination and transfer microorganisms from one product to another.
Conventional bags can be punctured by bone-in pieces or tear when placed under other products in the refrigerator. If meat juices escape, they can reach vegetables, dairy products, or ready-to-eat foods.
Among the microorganisms that can be present in raw meat, Salmonella is one of the most well-known for causing food poisoning when it comes into contact with other foods.
