How should food items be stored on a rack in the cooler from top to bottom?

The correct arrangement for storing food items in a cooler is to prioritize food safety by minimizing the risk of cross-contamination. Raw meats, such as whole steaks and chicken, should be stored on lower shelves to prevent any juices that may leak from them from dripping onto ready-to-eat foods.

In this case, placing the salad at the top makes sense because it is a ready-to-eat item that should be kept away from raw meats. Following that, vegetable lasagna can be stored below salad since it is cooked and does not pose a risk of transmitting harmful pathogens. Storing whole steaks underneath the vegetable lasagna allows for the raw meat to be contained, while ensuring that it doesn't contaminate food that is ready to consume. Lastly, chicken is stored on the bottom shelf, preventing any potential drips from affecting all other items stored above.

This stacking method ensures the highest levels of food safety by complying with guidelines that emphasize the importance of prevention in potential contamination situations.