What To Know
- This is why it’s important to store milk in an opaque container, such as a carton or jug.
- This can happen if you don’t wash your hands before handling milk, or if you use a dirty container to store milk.
- You can keep milk fresh longer by storing it in the coldest part of the refrigerator, keeping it in an opaque container, and not opening the milk container until you’re ready to use it.
Are you noticing that your milk is going bad faster than usual? You’re not alone. Many people are reporting that their milk is expiring within a few days of opening, even if it’s stored in the refrigerator.
What’s Causing Milk to Expire Faster?
There are a few factors that can contribute to milk expiring faster than usual.
- Higher temperatures: The warmer the milk is, the faster it will spoil. This is because bacteria grow more quickly in warm environments. Even if you’re storing your milk in the refrigerator, it’s important to make sure that the temperature is cold enough (below 40 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Exposure to light: Light can also cause milk to spoil more quickly. This is why it’s important to store milk in an opaque container, such as a carton or jug.
- Contamination: If milk comes into contact with bacteria, it can spoil more quickly. This can happen if you don’t wash your hands before handling milk, or if you use a dirty container to store milk.
How to Keep Milk Fresh Longer
There are a few things you can do to keep milk fresh longer.
- Store milk in the coldest part of the refrigerator. The coldest part of the refrigerator is usually the back of the bottom shelf.
- Keep milk in an opaque container. This will help to protect milk from light.
- Don’t open the milk container until you’re ready to use it. Every time you open the milk container, you’re letting in air, which can cause milk to spoil more quickly.
- Use milk within 7 days of opening. Once milk has been opened, it should be used within 7 days.
What to Do if Milk Goes Bad
If milk goes bad, it’s important to discard it immediately. Drinking spoiled milk can cause food poisoning, which can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Signs That Milk Has Gone Bad
There are a few signs that milk has gone bad.
- Sour smell: Milk that has gone bad will have a sour smell.
- Clumpy texture: Milk that has gone bad will have a clumpy texture.
- Mold: Milk that has gone bad may have mold growing on it.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Why is my milk expiring faster than usual?
A: There are a few factors that can contribute to milk expiring faster than usual, including higher temperatures, exposure to light, and contamination.
Q: How can I keep milk fresh longer?
A: You can keep milk fresh longer by storing it in the coldest part of the refrigerator, keeping it in an opaque container, and not opening the milk container until you’re ready to use it.
Q: What should I do if milk goes bad?
A: If milk goes bad, it’s important to discard it immediately. Drinking spoiled milk can cause food poisoning.
