What is the purpose of the “sell-by” date?
All milk containers offered for sale by a retail store must have a clearly marked “sell by” date. This date is established by the milk processor and is the date upon which, in order to ensure quality, the milk will be removed from the shelf or dairy case. This date also lets the consumer know how long the purchased milk stored in their refrigerator will be fresh. Milk purchased is guaranteed to be fresh up to and including that date providing the milk has been stored at the proper temperatures. Your milk will be fresher for a longer period of time if you look for the most recently packaged milk. Milk is a perishable product and when stored in cooler temperatures, will remain fresher for a longer period of time. If you suspect that your store does not keep its milk cold enough, ask the store manager at what temperature its dairy case is maintained. Stores are required to keep their dairy case 45 or lower.
