Milk packaging often features two dates: a "Sell-By" date and a "Use-By" date (or sometimes just one of these). These dates serve different purposes, helping consumers understand the milk's quality and safety.
Understanding the Dates
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Sell-By Date: This date is for the retailer's use. It tells stores how long to display the milk for sale to ensure peak quality. It's not a safety date, meaning the milk is likely still safe to drink past this date, provided it has been stored properly.
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Use-By Date (or Expiration Date): This is a quality date. It indicates the last date recommended for using the milk while it's at its peak quality and flavor. For milk, it does not necessarily mean it's unsafe after this date, though its flavor and texture may degrade. The exception is infant formula, where the "Use-By" date is a safety date, due to the heightened risk of bacterial growth affecting infants.
Importance of Proper Storage
Regardless of the dates, proper refrigeration is crucial for maintaining milk quality and safety. Keeping milk consistently cold significantly extends its shelf life beyond the printed dates. Observe the milk for signs of spoilage, such as sour smell or curdling, before consumption.
"Freeze-By" Date
As mentioned in the provided reference, a “Freeze-By” date indicates when a product should be frozen to maintain peak quality. This is less common on milk packaging but may be present on some products.
