Do I go by the expiration date on the milk jug or do I go by the smell?

Question

I never know what to do. I don't know if the date on the jug is just a guideline or absolute fact. I get confused.

Answer 1

Use the expiration date as a guideline and go by the smell. We've all used enough milk to know when it is on the verge of going bad. I like to put the container in the freezer for an hour or two after I buy it, to extend the shelf life. It also helps to put the milk back in the fridge right after you use it, instead of having it sit on the table for awhile.Keeping it cold is the key.

Answer 2

If you are health conscious, the date. If you are not that particular, then the smell. Because the expiry or used by date is a guide. And some milk can last longer as in a day or two. So if you are not that conscious and don't like to see food go to waste, the smell will do.

Answer 3

go by the taste or smell. The date on the jug states the last day that a store can sell it, but it might not be good until then. SOme people say that it is good for a week after the date, but I don't believe it. If u are in doubt with the smell or it tastes bad, CHUCK IT!!!

Answer 4

Personally I go by which ever happens first. If it begins to smell bad before the expiration date, then I throw it out. If it still smells good, but it's close to or at the expiration date, I throw it out.

Answer 5

For milk it's a good guideline, but I've had it go bad (smell) both before and after the exp date.
Trust your nose.

Answer 6

There is a very bad Food Born virus going around. It was on the news a few days ago.

I would throw it out. Milk costs a couple bucks, however a trip to the ER/Family Doc/ Pharmasist would costs 300times that...

Answer 7

If the date on the milk carton says "sell by" a certain date - the milk will be good for another 7-10 days. If the carton says "use by," toss it on that date.

Answer 8

i go by the smell

Answer 9

the smell

Answer 10

SMELL!!!!!!!!