How to Tell if Milk is Bad
Smell the milk., Check the consistency., Inspect the color., Verify the 'best before' date., Check if the milk was kept in room temperature for long., Microwave a sample.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Smell the milk.
Fresh milk should have no odor at all and must have the usual smell of the milk.
The milk starts smelling unpleasantly and tastes tangy if it has gone off. -
Step 2: Check the consistency.
Milk is a thin liquid with a smooth texture.
It should not have an inconsistent color, lumps or be yogurt like.
Quarantine the milk immediately if it has a thick cottage cheese like appearance. , Milk should always be a pure clean white.
If the milks carton is not transparent, try pouring some into a glass and hold it up to light.
Spoiled milk is normally a darker shade such as yellow. , It is required by law that milk has to have a 'best before' stamped on the packing.
Scientists recommend to use milk before 3 days of the 'best before' date. , Due to different circumstances milk can go off before the use by date.
Milk should be stored at 39°F (4°C), but when stored in the freezer it can last the 'best before' date. , Pour some milk in a microwavable glass and put it in the microwave for a minute.
Observe the hot milk and if it has lumps or becomes gooey, throw it out. -
Step 3: Inspect the color.
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Step 4: Verify the 'best before' date.
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Step 5: Check if the milk was kept in room temperature for long.
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Step 6: Microwave a sample.
Detailed Guide
Fresh milk should have no odor at all and must have the usual smell of the milk.
The milk starts smelling unpleasantly and tastes tangy if it has gone off.
Milk is a thin liquid with a smooth texture.
It should not have an inconsistent color, lumps or be yogurt like.
Quarantine the milk immediately if it has a thick cottage cheese like appearance. , Milk should always be a pure clean white.
If the milks carton is not transparent, try pouring some into a glass and hold it up to light.
Spoiled milk is normally a darker shade such as yellow. , It is required by law that milk has to have a 'best before' stamped on the packing.
Scientists recommend to use milk before 3 days of the 'best before' date. , Due to different circumstances milk can go off before the use by date.
Milk should be stored at 39°F (4°C), but when stored in the freezer it can last the 'best before' date. , Pour some milk in a microwavable glass and put it in the microwave for a minute.
Observe the hot milk and if it has lumps or becomes gooey, throw it out.
About the Author
Brenda Hayes
Enthusiastic about teaching home improvement techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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