Can you put food or beverage products in a fridge/freezer where drugs are stored?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if clearly separated with signage
• D. Only during the day

Answer: (B)

Food and beverages must not be kept in the same fridge or freezer as drugs. Keeping medicines in a space with consumables risks cross-contamination, accidental ingestion of medications with food, and mix-ups that could affect safety and efficacy. Drugs often require strict temperature and cleanliness controls, and any odor, moisture, or allergen from food can compromise stability or introduce safety issues. Regulatory storage standards expect a clear separation to maintain quality and traceability, so even a clearly labeled division isn’t enough if the items share the same space. Therefore, the correct approach is to store food and drinks separately from drug stocks, in a different area or a dedicated fridge.