Milk can generally be consumed safely for about 5 to 7 days after the expiration date if it has been stored properly in the refrigerator. Unopened milk usually lasts 5 to 7 days past its printed date, while opened milk typically lasts 2 to 3 days beyond that date. The key to determining if milk is still good is to check for signs of spoilage such as a sour smell, off taste, or changes in texture like lumpiness or separation. These signs are more reliable indicators of milk safety than the printed expiration date alone. The expiration or "use by" date mainly indicates peak quality rather than safety, especially for pasteurized milk commonly sold in stores. Ultra- pasteurized or UHT milk can last even longer if unopened, sometimes 2 to 4 weeks past its date at room temperature or 1 to 2 months refrigerated, but once opened should be consumed within 7 to 10 days. Milk should never be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to avoid risk of spoilage and foodborne illness. In summary:
- Unopened milk: About 5-7 days past expiration date if refrigerated
- Opened milk: About 2-3 days past expiration date if refrigerated
- UHT milk unopened: Can last weeks past date, but consume within 7-10 days after opening
- Always check for sour smell, off taste, or texture changes before consuming
These guidelines help minimize waste while maintaining safety when consuming milk after its expiration date.
