What is the safest way to store raw fish?

Storing raw fish safely is essential to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and ensure food safety. Placing raw fish on a tray and surrounding it with ice or keeping it in the coldest part of the refrigerator helps maintain a safe temperature and prevents spoilage. The cold temperature slows down bacterial growth, which is critical for maintaining the quality and safety of the fish.

Using ice not only provides a direct cooling effect but also maintains the correct temperature range, ensuring that the fish stays fresh for a longer period. It's also important to keep raw fish elevated on a tray to prevent contamination from any drips or excess moisture.

The other storage methods mentioned do not provide a safe environment for raw fish. Storing it in a sealed bag on the counter does not keep it cool enough, leading to a risk of bacterial growth. Freezing fish at room temperature is ineffective since room temperature allows for bacteria proliferation, and wrapping fish in newspaper does not provide any protective cooling, which can contribute to spoilage and foodborne illness.