How long do the live active cultures last after the container has been opened?
As long as the product has had consistent refrigeration then the cultures stay active. However, to get the maximum benefit from the live cultures it should be eaten by the code date on the cup and it should be refrigerated until eaten. The culture counts diminish if allowed to warm up for any appreciable period of time. Letting the yogurt warm to room temperature for 3 to 6 hours, such as taking it to school or work for lunch is fine, but the product should be consumed at that time. If warmed yogurt is then refrigerated, to be eaten later, there is a possibility that the growth of organisms other than the yogurt cultures, stimulated by the warming, may cause the yogurt to spoil before the code date.
