Essential Tips on How To Handle and Store Milk at Home

Proper storage of milk and milk products is essential. To prevent milk from spoilage and to reduce the growth of bacteria careful handling of milk and milk products is necessary. National Milk Day, which falls on November 26, had easy-to-do tips listed to keep in mind while handling and storing milk at home by Ashwini K. Bajaj, Managing Director, Amrit Corp. Ltd. and Vikram Ogale, Director - Supply Chain and Quality Assurance, McDonald's India,

Tips to keep in mind while purchasing milk

• Buy milk and milk products only from reputed and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Purchase only those milk and milk products whose packages clearly mention details pertaining to manufacturing date and expiry date, contact details of the manufacturing facility or company.
• When buying packaged milk, check for the expiry date, which is usually stamped at the top of the carton/ body of pouch. Make sure the date hasn't already passed (most grocery stores ensure their stock is up-to-date) and then decide whether you will be able to finish the milk within a few days before the expiry date.
• Buy milk in smaller quantities if you're not sure of using it immediately or use it within three days from the date of purchase, if stored well.
• Do not buy puffed or leaked packets of milk.

Easy ways to prevent spoilage of milk, and ensuring lasting quality

• Milk should never be left out on the kitchen counter or table for extended period of time.
• Milk should be stored in the refrigerator. The refrigerator should be set between 3.5 and 4.5 degrees Celsius, or as cold as possible without freezing your fruits and vegetables.
• If your milk pack is nearing its expiration date, you can consider freezing it or planning some recipes like pudding, cream soups or oatmeal to use it up. Please remember that milk will expand when it's frozen, so be sure to leave room in the container to prevent it from bursting.
• Store milk on the refrigerator shelves where it is cooler, rather than in the refrigerator doors.
• Avoid exposing milk to light, as light destroys certain vitamins, such as vitamin D and riboflavin.
• Remember to open new milk containers in the same order in which you bought them - first in, first out.

Source-IANS