As a food safety expert, I always advise caution when it comes to consuming dairy products past their expiration dates. The expiration date on a carton of milk is an indication of the last day the product is guaranteed to be at peak quality when stored properly. After this date, the milk may start to spoil, which can lead to a decline in taste, texture, and safety.

Drinking milk after the expiration date is not recommended because it can potentially lead to foodborne illnesses. The primary concern is the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella or E. coli, which can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe. However, if the milk has been refrigerated and shows no signs of spoilage, such as off smell, curdling, or change in color, it might still be safe to consume for a short period after the expiration date. It's important to note that "might" is the operative word here—safety cannot be guaranteed.

The key factors to consider when deciding whether to consume milk past its expiration date are the storage conditions and the milk's appearance and smell. If you're unsure, it's always safer to err on the side of caution and discard the milk.

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You could theoretically freeze your milk for up to three months, but it'll turn lumpy and yellow and yucky looking (though it's still safe to drink). The accepted rule of thumb is that if you're properly refrigerating it, your carton of whole milk's expiration date is five days after the "sell-by" date.read more >>