What happens if you drink expired milk

We've all been in this situation: You grab the milk to pour in your coffee or bowl of cereal, only to notice the date on the package has already passed. But instead of automatically pouring it down the drain, you may ask, "How long is milk good for after the expiration date?

Corey Williams is a food writer for MyRecipes and Allrecipes. She has a decade of journalism experience. You're probably here because you've just consumed milk that's past its expiration date or you are considering consuming milk that's past its expiration date or smelling a little off. Either way, here's what you need to know. There's a big difference between "sell-by" and "use-by" labels. The sell-by date exists to tell grocery stores and consumers when the carton or jug should leave shelves because it is approaching its peak freshness. However, this date doesn't mark the point when a food item goes "bad.

What happens if you drink expired milk

Your best bet for enjoying your milk for longer is to store it well. There are plenty of myths and misunderstandings surrounding the use by or best before dates on bottles or cartons of milk, but the simple fact of the matter is, your best judge of whether your milk has gone bad or not is the ever-reliable sniff test. There is a difference between the use by date and the best before date on food products, including milk. The use by date tells consumers when a food item should be consumed or used by. A best before date tells you when a food item may start to lose some freshness or quality, but it can still be perfectly fine and safe to eat after that date. As a country, we discard of hundreds and thousands of tonnes of milk each year, often because people trust use by dates over smell and taste. Discover how much food we waste annually with our blogpost , and for more information about milk and its benefits, visit our website. Food for Thought Can you drink milk past its expiration date? Can you drink milk past its expiration date? How long does milk last after its use by date? How best to store milk?

Since the late s, the vast majority of commercially produced milk is pasteurized. A best before date tells you when a food item may start to lose some freshness or quality, but it can still be perfectly fine and safe to eat after that date.

A strong sour smell may be an indication that your milk has spoiled. While drinking it can cause food poisoning, you can still use spoiled milk in culinary recipes and reduce food waste. Catching a whiff of spoiled milk is enough to ruin even the most voracious appetite, but if you find yourself stuck with a carton of it, you may want to think twice before pitching it. Contrary to popular belief, spoiled milk may have a place in your next culinary pursuit. Not to mention, using spoiled milk in recipes is a great way to reduce food waste. Spoiled milk is the result of an overgrowth of bacteria that compromises the quality, flavor, and texture of milk. Since the late s, the vast majority of commercially produced milk is pasteurized.

In fact, most milks can be consumed several days past the date printed on the label. This article explains what the date on your milk means and how long milk is safe to drink after the printed date. Some states regulate if and how expiration dates on milk should be labeled, but these regulations differ between states 4. This means you may see several types of dates on your milk carton — none of which indicate food safety 3 :. Therefore, the printed date can give you an idea of when the quality will start to decline. In the United States, most milk purchased from the grocery store has been pasteurized 5. Pasteurization is a process that involves heating milk to destroy potentially harmful bacteria, including E. By doing this, the shelf life of milk is extended by 2—3 weeks 6 , 7. One study found that the temperature in your refrigerator greatly affects how long your milk stays good past the listed date.

What happens if you drink expired milk

Corey Williams is a food writer for MyRecipes and Allrecipes. She has a decade of journalism experience. You're probably here because you've just consumed milk that's past its expiration date or you are considering consuming milk that's past its expiration date or smelling a little off. Either way, here's what you need to know. There's a big difference between "sell-by" and "use-by" labels. The sell-by date exists to tell grocery stores and consumers when the carton or jug should leave shelves because it is approaching its peak freshness. However, this date doesn't mark the point when a food item goes "bad.

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That's a good thing, because one sip won't hurt you. With the exception of infant formula, you may be surprised to learn that the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service doesn't even require dating on products. Food and drink packaging in the U. According to the Missouri Poison Center , the bacteria present in spoiled milk can impact your digestive system like common food-borne illnesses, and you're likely to face symptoms that include stomach cramping, diarrhea, and vomiting. As in other cases of food poisoning, these symptoms commonly resolve themselves within 12 to 24 hours of ingestion, though it is advisable to seek medical attention in the rare case that they persist longer than that. Use profiles to select personalised content. Trump, the likely GOP nominee for the November election, has a tangled web of legal troubles already playing…. As a result, the dates found on milk can vary by manufacturer, and the numbers you're seeing might not be an expiration date at all, even if they sound like they are. How long does milk last after its use by date? Refrigeration at this temperature slows the growth of bacteria, which leads to spoilage. The most effective way to avoid drinking spoiled milk is to understand how it gets spoiled in the first place. Instead, try incorporating it into cooked dishes like frittatas or muffins, which may help sterilize any harmful bacteria, she says. Newsletter Sign Up. If you're concerned about the severity of your symptoms, go to your local urgent care or call your doctor's office. People will typically be able to tell when milk is bad, as the smell and appearance indicate any spoilage.

A strong sour smell may be an indication that your milk has spoiled. While drinking it can cause food poisoning, you can still use spoiled milk in culinary recipes and reduce food waste. Catching a whiff of spoiled milk is enough to ruin even the most voracious appetite, but if you find yourself stuck with a carton of it, you may want to think twice before pitching it.

Spoiled milk is the result of an overgrowth of bacteria that compromises the quality, flavor, and texture of milk. Read full article. Struggle for a home: Racially restrictive covenants, a form of socially enforced contractual agreement, barred Asian, Black, Hispanic and Jewish people from renting or purchasing homes or plots of land. However, drinking a large or moderate amount of bad milk can result in digestive discomfort. You know your milk is spoiled if it has an unpleasant odor or taste or changes texture. The smell and appearance of the milk are clearer signs of how safe the milk is for consumption. Your best bet for enjoying your milk for longer is to store it well. The Independent corrected his corrections. We avoid using tertiary references. The use by date tells consumers when a food item should be consumed or used by. For the widest window before milk spoils, choose one with the furthest sell-by date at the grocery store.