Is it safe to drink milk after its expiration date?
Disease description:
I found a carton of milk at home today that expired two days ago. It doesn't appear to have spoiled, and the taste also seems unchanged. May I ask, is it still safe to drink milk after its expiration date?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
It is not recommended to drink expired milk, even if it appears and smells unchanged. The shelf life of milk is determined by the manufacturer based on storage conditions and product stability. Once this period has passed, the nutritional components in the milk may change, and microbial content may increase.
Consuming expired milk may lead to various health problems. Excessive microorganisms in expired milk may cause food poisoning, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, the nutritional components in expired milk may have degraded, significantly reducing its nutritional value and potentially producing harmful substances that may harm human health.
For safety, it is recommended to strictly follow the expiration dates on food products and avoid drinking expired milk. If unsure whether the milk has expired, check the production date and shelf life label on the packaging and consume it before the expiration date. Expired milk should be discarded immediately to prevent accidental consumption. For the health of yourself and your family, choose fresh, unexpired milk to avoid potential food safety risks.
