Many people rely on a quick sniff to check if milk past its use-by date is still safe, but experts are warning against this common practice. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) advises that the sniff test is not reliable for foods with a use-by date, as it cannot detect the bacteria that cause food poisoning.
According to the FSA, milk and some other dairy products like yoghurt may have either a use-by date or a best before date, depending on how they are processed. While a best before date is about quality, a use-by date is about safety. The sniff test can be used for foods with a best before date, but not for those with a use-by date.
The agency also suggests using visual cues such as mould or texture changes to determine if food with a best before date has spoiled. It emphasises checking storage instructions and date labels to ensure safety and reduce waste.
For those who want to avoid wasting milk, freezing is an option. Unopened milk can be frozen in its original packaging for up to six weeks. It should be stored at a temperature between 0°C and 4°C to maintain freshness.
