Why should the plate be lebelled on the bottom not on top in microbiology?

In microbiology, labeling the bottom of a petri dish rather than the top is crucial to prevent contamination. When the lid is removed for observation or inoculation, the label remains visible, ensuring that the sample's identity is maintained without risking exposure to airborne contaminants. Additionally, this method helps prevent confusion if multiple plates are stacked, as the labels on the lid may become obscured. Overall, bottom labeling enhances accuracy and reliability in experiments.