Full cream pasteurised milk is packaged at the processor with a shelf life that will range between 12 and 14 days.

Individual processors determine the shelf life of their products, hence the range, rather than a universal period.

Product is typically shipped to retail distribution centres within 24 hours of packaging and then they will distribute product to their stores. Large distribution centres typically manage stock rotations on a “first in, first out” basis, so as to ensure they are always supplying the freshest product to stores.

The actual shelf life remaining on product when it arrives in store will depend on the time it takes to deliver the product from the distribution centre. Stores located further away may require an additional day to receive product.

Once in store, retailers retain fresh milk in an instore cool room and will be loaded on to store shelves within hours of receipt.