Milk is a staple in many households, but understanding its shelf life can be confusing due to the different types of dates that appear on the packaging. The three most common date labels found on milk cartons are "Sell By," "Use By," and "Expiration" dates.

Each of these terms provides guidance to both retailers and consumers, but they do not all mean the same thing. This article will clarify how long milk typically lasts and the significance of these date labels, so you can ensure you're using your milk when it's at its best quality and safest to consume.

The "Sell By" date is primarily for inventory management by retailers. It indicates the date by which the store should sell the product to ensure it is purchased while at its peak quality. However, this date is not an indication of food safety. Milk will usually remain safe to consume for about one week after the "Sell By" date if it has been stored properly, generally at or below 40°F:

Milk should be stored in the refrigerator immediately after purchase.

Avoid storing milk on the refrigerator door where temperatures fluctuate.

Keep the refrigerator temperature at or below 40°F.

Don't leave milk out at room temperature for more than two hours.

"Use By" dates are intended to inform consumers of the last date that a product will be at its peak quality, according to the manufacturer's estimation. It is not a safety-related date except for infant formula:

The "Use By" date is a good indicator of when the product may begin to decline in quality, but not safety.

Milk can often be consumed a few days past this date, but its freshness cannot be guaranteed.

Perform a sniff test: a sour smell or taste indicates that milk should not be consumed, regardless of the printed date.

The "Expiration" date, sometimes labeled as "Exp," suggests when milk should not be consumed any longer due to potential spoilage:

Once the expiration date has passed, it is advisable to discard the milk.

The rate of spoilage can be accelerated by improper storage, such as frequent and prolonged exposure to warm temperatures.

Even before the expiration date, if milk shows signs of spoilage like curdling or off-odors, it should not be used.

To extend the longevity of milk beyond these dates, consumers may opt for ultra-pasteurized milk or UHT (ultra-high temperature) processed milk, which can last much longer:

Ultra-pasteurized milk is heated to a higher temperature than regular pasteurized milk, which can extend its shelf life to 2-3 months when unopened.

UHT milk can last even longer, up to six months unopened, and does not require refrigeration until opened.

Once opened, both ultra-pasteurized and UHT milk should be consumed within 7-10 days and kept refrigerated.

In conclusion, while the "Sell By," "Use By," and "Expiration" dates can serve as helpful guidelines, they are not clear-cut indicators of milk safety. Proper storage is paramount to extend the shelf life of milk, and sensory evaluation (smell and taste) should always be performed before consumption to ensure quality. By understanding these labels and practicing good storage habits, you can avoid wasting milk and enjoy it safely until the last drop.

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