UK households urged to stop storing milk in 1 place

Millions of people in the UK buy milk every week, but many may be shortening its shelf life without realising it. From boiling kettles nearby to leaving it out too long, even small habits can make milk spoil faster. And now food safety specialists say one common storage mistake might be affecting homes across the country.

The warning comes from Undeniably Dairy, the organisation backed by US dairy farmers and importers, created to improve trust in dairy and promote safe handling. Its experts work with researchers and industry specialists to advise on how to keep milk fresh and safe for as long as possible. Their warning is clear: milk is far more sensitive to temperature changes than most people think.

Even letting it sit on the counter too long can encourage bacteria to grow. They say milk should not be left out for more than two hours, and only one hour if the temperature is above 32C.

Nicole Martin, PhD, an assistant research professor in dairy foods microbiology at Cornell University, said smaller containers warm up faster than large ones, which "can allow bacteria to grow a little faster".

She added that ultra-pasteurised milk is slightly more resistant to temperature changes but still needs proper handling.

But the biggest mistake many households make isn't leaving milk out, it's where they store it in the fridge.

Experts at Undeniably Dairy say milk should not be stored in the fridge door because the temperature fluctuates every time the door opens.

Ms Martin also warned that keeping milk there "may make the milk spoil faster than if kept in the back," where it stays consistently cold.

Their guidance says milk lasts longer when stored below 40F (around 4C), preferably at the back of the fridge where temperatures remain most stable.

Light exposure can also affect the taste, causing an off-flavour known as oxidation.

The experts also warn against repeatedly leaving milk out "for shorter periods of time (for example, during a meal)," as this can reduce its shelf life even if each period seems brief.

Spoiled milk may smell sour, taste unpleasant or become thick and clumpy. But the advice doesn't end with storage. Undeniably Dairy also recommends:

• Buying milk last during your shop so it stays cold for longer.
• Setting your fridge between 2C and 4C.
• Keeping milk in its original container or another clean one, but not drinking from the bottle, which can introduce bacteria.
• Freezing milk if you won't use it before the date.

Drinking spoiled milk can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, so the experts urge households to rely on their senses rather than the date alone. A sour smell, curdling or unusual texture are all signs it should be thrown away.

For more food storage tips and advice, click here.