Can I drink milk a day after its ‘use by’ date?
The ‘use-by’ date indicates the date until which the product can be safely consumed. Therefore, it’s best to avoid drinking milk beyond the specified ‘use-by’ date on the label.
Last updated 04/04/2024
Manufacturers give dates that indicate how long their dairy product will remain fresh.
In Australia, you'll find two types of date markings: 'best-before' and 'use-by'.[1] These little labels help us know how long our food will stay at its best. If something's past its 'best-before' date, it might not be peak quality, but it's usually still good to consume. On the flip side, a 'use-by' date means it's the last day it can be sold and safely consumed. After that, it's best to steer clear to avoid food poisoning.
When it comes to fresh pasteurized milk, it needs to be marked with a 'use-by' date. But don't worry, your nose will usually give you a heads-up if it's past its prime before you take a sip. Keep it below 4°C in your fridge, and you'll enjoy its freshness for about 12 to 14 days.[2] With chilled foods like milk, there's a chance some bacteria could grow to dangerous levels in the fridge, even if it looks okay. So think of the ‘use-by’ date as your green light to enjoy your milk worry-free. If your milk seems off before that date, your fridge might be running a tad too warm.
Remember, dairy products like milk, cheese and yoghurt freeze remarkably well. So if you’re keen on keeping your dairy products fresh and safe while reducing food waste, this could be an option. See our You Ask, We Answer responses on freezing dairy products.
References
[1]Food Standards Australia New Zealand. User guide to Standard 1.2.5 Date Marking of Food. December 2013. Accessed 15.07.19
[2]Dairy Food Safety Victoria. Shelf Life of Dairy Products. Accessed 15.07.19
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