Picture this scenario: you wake up, prepare your coffee, and realize that something crucial is absent from your fridge. Upon turning around, you spot your milk on the counter, where it has been sitting since yesterday. You may be pondering whether it is safe to consume or if you should discard it.
It is not advisable to consume milk that has been left out overnight as it can spoil rapidly at room temperature and pose a potential health risk. Therefore, if you accidentally leave your milk out overnight, it is recommended that you dispose of it to ensure safety.
When milk spoils, it can develop unappetizing characteristics such as curdling, sweating, turning yellow, and emitting a foul odor. It is crucial to differentiate between sour and spoiled milk, which requires understanding the dissimilarity. Fortunately, we have the necessary information to help you out.
How Long Can Milk Be Left at Room Temperature?
Milk should not be kept at room temperature for more than 2 hours. In case you forget and are unsure about the duration, take note of the room temperature and the milk’s internal temperature. If it is still at 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius), then it is considered safe to consume.
Milk needs to be kept in the refrigerator immediately after buying it. According to the Food and Drug Association, any perishable food or drink that is left out for more than 2 hours should not be ingested.
Drinks that are perishable can develop significant levels of bacteria when they exceed 40 degrees (4 degrees C), with the optimal temperature for bacterial growth and reproduction being between 34 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit (1-4 degrees Celsius).
If the room temperature exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), it is advisable to discard milk that has been left out for only an hour as the bacteria in the milk multiplies at a faster rate due to the rapid increase in its internal temperature.
What About UHT Milk?
UHT Milk is a term used for milk that has been sterilized using the ultra-high temperature method. While milk in the United States is typically pasteurized, which eliminates most bacteria, it is not usually sterilized to UHT levels.
Unlike in some countries in Europe and South America, milk in most places needs to be refrigerated after opening. However, it can still be stored at room temperature for up to 6 months before being opened.
Nevertheless, in the US, refrigeration is necessary for milk after processing due to the absence of UHT sterilization levels, which can cause rapid bacterial growth and spoilage.
Thus, in case you buy shelf-stable milk, refrigeration is not necessary until it is unsealed. Once opened, it adheres to the equivalent safety regulations as pasteurized milk.
How Can You Tell If Milk Has Gone Bad?
When milk spoils, it usually develops a strong odor and taste. You may also notice sour curds in the milk and a thin layer of water on top. Nevertheless, relying solely on these physical indicators may not be accurate as it can take some time for the bacteria to spoil the milk.
When milk is left out overnight, the lactic acid in it is consumed by harmful bacteria, resulting in a sour and unpleasant taste. This may be an indication of the presence of dangerous bacteria such as listeria, E. Coli, and salmonella.
It is crucial to understand that even though the words “spoiled” and “sour” are often used interchangeably, they have different meanings. Drinking spoiled milk can be hazardous, but consuming sour milk is not considered harmful.
What is Spoiled Milk?
Spoiled Milk can happen in pasteurized milk if either a harmful strain of bacteria is not eliminated during the pasteurization process or finds its way into the milk through another means. Additionally, if the milk is left open and allowed to incubate, bacteria can also enter and spoil the milk.
It is advisable to avoid inserting your fingers into the milk carton, ensure that the lid is securely closed, and refrain from leaving unopened milk containers in the refrigerator. In case of a missing lid, alternative coverings such as plastic wrap or tin foil can be used to cover the jug.
Consuming spoiled milk can be hazardous to health as it may contain listeria, E. coli, or other bacteria that lead to foodborne illnesses, hence it is advisable to avoid drinking milk that tastes sour.
While sour milk may result in a stomach ache, it may not contain harmful bacteria, as yogurt is essentially sour milk.
Although yogurt contains beneficial bacteria that aid in digestion, it can be challenging for an inexperienced individual to differentiate between sour and spoiled milk, so exercise caution if attempting to produce yogurt.
What Can Happen If You Drink Milk That’s Been Out Overnight?
Drinking milk that has been left out overnight can lead to food poisoning, which can be hazardous, and the symptoms of this condition may include vomiting, cramps, cold sweat, and fevers.
While most cases of food poisoning are not fatal and symptoms usually subside within a week, it is important to note that there is still a risk of death associated with this condition.
Consuming contaminated food can lead to severe cases of diarrhea and vomiting, which may result in severe dehydration, particularly for children, elderly people, and pregnant women.
If you are suffering from food poisoning, it is advisable to purchase electrolyte-enriched beverages or water and refrain from consuming coffee while opting for tea instead, which can aid in binding your stool and easing stomach discomfort.
How Should Milk Be Stored?
To keep milk fresh, it is recommended to store it on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator since this area is believed to be the coldest and can maintain a temperature below 40 degrees. It’s important not to place the jug on the door or in the front of the fridge.
To prevent the risk of bacteria growth, it is advisable to avoid storing the milk carton on the fridge door where it can be exposed to warm air every time you open the fridge.
For the same reason, it is advisable to store the milk towards the back of the fridge, ensuring that it remains as cold as possible without freezing.
If you possess shelf-stable milk (UHT milk), it is advisable to store it in a cool, dark, and dry place until you intend to consume it. In case the milk is left in a moist environment, the carton may get damaged, which can lead to bacterial contamination.
It is important to avoid direct sunlight when storing milk as it can harm the carton and affect the temperature, leading to improper storage conditions.
How Long Does Milk Last?
As long as it is stored at 40 degrees, milk can typically remain fresh for 4 to 7 days after being opened; however, if the expiration date arrives before this timeframe, it should be discarded.
While some foods have a suggested sell-by date, the expiration date on milk indicates when it will spoil.
Unopened milk has a longer shelf life, and milk with lower fat content tends to last longer.
Unopened, whole milk can stay fresh for approximately 5-7 days, while unopened, 2% fat milk can last up to a week, and unopened, skim milk can remain fresh for around 7-10 days.
To ensure the freshness of your milk during transportation, it is advisable to store it in a cool and shaded area. If your journey from the grocery store to home exceeds 30 minutes, it is recommended to keep the milk in an insulated bag.
If you don’t have access to a refrigerator and need to bring milk with you, it’s recommended to use an ice cooler typically used for beach trips or picnics. To keep the milk cold, fill the container with ice, ensuring that it covers the top and surrounds all sides of the milk.
How Long will Other Milk and Milk Alternatives Last?
Unopened, UHT Milk has the ability to remain fresh for a maximum of 6 months when stored at room temperature, while opened UHT Milk can last up to one week if kept in the refrigerator.
Shelf-stable non-dairy milk, if unopened, can remain fresh for a maximum of one month. If unopened and refrigerated, non-dairy milk can last between 7 to 10 days. However, once opened and refrigerated, non-dairy milk will only stay fresh for approximately 5 to 7 days.
Heavy cream can remain fresh for 7-10 days if unopened, but once opened, it is advisable to consume it within 3 days. Typically, cafes and other establishments discard the milk after 1-2 days of opening.
Half and half and light cream can be stored for 7-10 days before being opened, but once opened, they will only remain fresh for 5-7 days.
Non-dairy creamers that are sweetened can remain in the refrigerator for a maximum of 14 days before being opened.
You can also check this video about “Can You Drink Milk Left Out Overnight?”
