Which of the following is an unsafe food storage practice?

Placing a closed box of lettuce on a shelf below a pan of baked beans represents an unsafe food storage practice due to the potential for cross-contamination. If the pan of baked beans were to leak or spill, juices could drip down onto the box of lettuce, contaminating it with pathogens that might be present in the cooked beans. This is particularly concerning since raw produce often has a shorter shelf life and can be consumed raw without additional cooking, which means any contamination can pose a serious health risk to consumers.

In contrast, storing sealed bags of frozen vegetables at the bottom of the freezer is a safe practice; they are sealed properly, helping to prevent contamination and freezer burn. Canned goods stored in a dry cupboard is also a safe method of storage since cans are non-perishable and do not require refrigeration, making them suitable for a dry environment. Finally, raw meats being kept on a separate shelf in the refrigerator is essential for ensuring they do not contaminate other foods; this practice helps maintain food safety standards by preventing juice drippings from raw meat from coming into contact with other ready-to-eat foods.