How to Tell if Milk is Spoiled

Milk is a tricky liquid. It's very popular in refrigerators around the world, and people are encouraged to drink it several times a day to stay healthy. Unfortunately, it's a very volatile substance. Sometimes a jug lasts for weeks and never spoils; other times it turns sour after a few days. With some easy techniques, you'll be able to determine whether your milk is drinkable or spoiled.

Things You'll Need

• Milk

Instructions

1. Use the milk's "Sell By" date as a guide post. All milk is required by law to have a date stamped on the packaging informing the buyer when this jug has to be sold by. According to experts, milk will last two to three days beyond this date. Many companies also provide a "Use By" date as well. However, due to certain circumstances milk may go bad before these dates.

2. Open the milk container and smell inside the bottle. Fresh milk will have almost no scent at all, and any odor is usually smooth and pleasant. However, if your milk is spoiling, it will have a tangy, unpleasant scent. This is a sign your milk has spoiled.

3. Inspect the milk's color. Many jugs are clear and you can see inside. However, newer jugs are made of non-translucent plastic in order to keep the milk fresh longer. If you suspect your milk may be spoiled but can't see it, pour some milk into a clear cup. If the milk is any color besides pure white, it may be spoiled. In many cases spoiled milk will take on a yellow or dark shade.

4. Look at the milk's texture when you pour it. If you think the color is off or if the milk has a thicker, yogurt texture, it may be spoiled. Also if the milk has the appearance of chunky cottage cheese when you pour it, the milk is spoiled and you need to throw it away.

Tips & Warnings

• Throw out any milk you suspect may be spoiled. Consuming spoiled milk can lead to food poisoning.