Two food safety experts weigh in.
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I cant start my day without a big bowl of cereal drowned in milk.
Are these swollen containers of milk safe to consume?
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Bloating can occur due to air pressure changes or microbial growth, Tetro says.
Usually air pressure is gentle bloating and reversible whereas microbial growth is hard bloating and irreversible.
It can also happen if packages are defective and allow air to enter containers, encouraging bacteria to grow.
Simply Recipes / Myo Quinn
Simply Recipes / Myo Quinn
Is Milk From a Bloated Container Safe To Drink?
Milk safety in a bloated carton depends on if it is due to air pressure or microbes.
Otherwise, its best to pass over a bloated milk carton.
Next, put it in the fridge to see if the bloating lessens.
If so, you know its likely due to air pressure.
If the container stays bloated, its best to ditch it.
And never underestimate the power of the smell test.
Bacteria that ferment lactose into lactic acid and gas often produce a tingling odor, explains Vashisht.
Tetro suggests putting some milk into a glass for a good sniff test.
Just put it into a glass rather than smell the opening of the carton, Tetro suggests.
If anything is a positive, best to throw it out or maybe think about making some homemade yogurt.
Finally, check thebest-by or use-by date.
Even after proper processing milk quality degrades day by day, says Vashisht.
It is susceptible to microbial contamination with minimal exposure to unfavorable conditions.
