Using Milk After 'Sell By' Date

Valeria asked:

I was curious what the policy on using milk and or heavy cream past the sell by date on the containers.

Hi,

Thanks for the great question. The guidance from the Oregon Health Authority (the governing agency on Oregon Food Sanitation Rules) says:

‘Products may be used after the ‘sell-by" or “use-by” date put on the product by the manufacturer. The manufacturer places the “sell-by’ or “use-by” dates on the product voluntarily under an agreement with the USDA and FDA. “Sell-by” and “use-by” dates are assigned for quality reasons, not for food safety concerns. Once the packaged is open then the product must be date marked for rotation.’