The Food Standards Agency has warned that the common test could even result in you being sick if you chance it
We’ve all been there. You’re ready for your morning cuppa or bowl of cereal, only to discover that the last bottle of milk in the fridge is passed its use-by date.
For many, the temptation is to give it a quick sniff and if it doesn’t smell off, decide it’s fine to use. However, experts are advising against this common practice, suggesting it should be discarded along with the expired milk and failure to do do could even leave you sick.
While some supermarkets have eliminated use-by dates on milk, others still maintain them. These products with a use-by date need careful attention.
The Food Standards Agency warns that relying on the sniff test could potentially lead to illness. They advise: “It’s not safe to use the sniff test for any food with a use-by date. The sniff test won’t work as you can’t smell the bugs that cause food poisoning.
“Milk and some other dairy products like yoghurt can have either a use-by date or a best before date. The manufacturer decides which date marking is the best for the food they produce. Whether these foods have a use-by or best before date is down to the manufacturer and the way the food is processed.
“If a food has a best before date the sniff test can be used – the best before date is about quality, not safety. You can smell food with a best before date to see if it has spoiled.”
It adds: “You can also use visual cues, such as whether you can see mould or if there are any changes to texture. Food with best before can be eaten after the date on the pack, however they may not taste as good as they did before.
“It’s always better to check the storage, use-by and best before dates when you buy food so you can help ensure it’s safe and to prevent waste.”
How can I give my milk a longer life-span?
You can freeze milk if you’ve got too much but don’t want to waste it. According to the Dairy Farmers of Canada, unopened milk can be frozen in its original packaging for up to six weeks.
It also has other tips to make the most of your milk. It says: “In general, milk should be refrigerated at a temperature of between 0 °C and 4 °C. Keeping milk cold is critical to ensure it stays fresh, lasts longer, and keeps its delicious taste.
“The key is not to break the “cold chain” between the grocery store and home. And, once home, to keep it in the fridge as much as possible.”