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Why Does Heat Cause Milk to Spoil?

To stay in good, drinkable condition, milk must be kept at 45 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler within your fridge. However, milk must be kept consistently below 40 degrees Fahrenheit during transportation from the warehouse to the grocery location which it is sold. Milk contains cultures that will rapidly cause bacteria to grow if they are allowed to heat up. Always put your milk away as soon as you get home from the store. After using some of the milk, it is crucial that you place it right back in the refrigerator.

  1. Heat

    • As milk increases in temperature, bacteria such as lactococci forms in the milk. The bacteria multiplies and converts the lactose in the milk into lactic acid. The lactic acid causes the milk to curdle and to produce a sour taste. At this point, the milk has spoiled and is dangerous to consume. Even milk that is at room temperature poses a risk. Milk that has been left out will likely have developed an odor. If your milk is in question, smell it before you attempt to drink any of it. If it smells at all sour, pour out the milk and don't drink it.

    Illness

    • Spoiled milk can cause serious illness and can even be fatal for some people. Small children, elderly people, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are the most susceptible. If you fall into any of these categories, be especially careful about the milk that you consume. Look at the texture of the milk as you pour it; it should be smooth and free of chunks or bumps. Don't drink any milk that has anything floating in it as this is a sign that the milk has curdled.

    Storage

    • Milk should be stored for no longer than two weeks. Follow the date that is printed on your container. Sometimes milk will go bad before the date that is printed on the package. This is why it is so important to pay attention to the texture and smell of the milk. Once milk has passed the date that is printed on the container, it is best to dispose of it.

    Transportation

    • Timing is everything when it comes to transporting milk. It is especially important to pay attention to milk temperature during transportation. This is determined by the company that provides the transportation. After a mere 15 minutes of unloading milk on a dock in a hot summer day, the milk left out will already be at around 49 degrees. This means that harmful bacteria has already started to grow, according to the professionals at the North Carolina State University. Be diligent with your home milk storage, and buy from reputable companies.

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