Drinking expired milk might not be as bad as you think.
Perhaps you went to the kitchen last night and took a few sips of cold milk.
A few moments later, you realized thatmilk was past the expiration date.
However, this doesn’t mean that you should throw it away and head over to the ER.
Department of Agriculture(USDA).
What matters most is where and how you store your food.
Non-fat and lactose-free milk can last up to 10 days.
You canfreeze itfor up to three months, but this might change its color and texture.
Keep reading to see how drinking expired milk affects your body.
Like most foods,milk and other dairy productsgo bad sooner or later.
When that happens, they develop a sour smell or taste.
You may also notice changes in their color, texture, and consistency.
All in all, expired milk is likely safe for consumption, depending on how it was stored.
Most milk products sold in the U.S. are pasteurized, according to theFDA.
Pasteurization destroys harmful bacteria, which helps extend food shelf life.
However, it doesn’t kill all pathogens, reports a 2018 study published in theJournal of Dairy Science.
Any microorganisms in milk can multiply and causefood poisoning(especially when the milk is not stored properly).
A small sip of spoiled milk is unlikely to cause any harm, says theMissouri Poison Center.
But if you drink a larger amount, you may experience digestive distress.
These symptoms usually subside within 12 to 24 hours.
Instead, you should drink small amounts of fluids with sugar or electrolytes tostay hydrated.
Reach out to a medical professional if your symptoms persist.
