up pressure inside the jug, causing it to expand and feel tight like a drum.
While not all microorganisms are harmful, unexpected swelling can indicate spoilage or a problem with storage or product integrity. It’s essential to treat a swollen container as a warning sign and avoid consuming the milk until its safety has been established.
2. Read the Date, But Don’t Trust It Completely
The date printed on a milk jug is typically a ‘sell-by’ or ‘best-by’ date, depending on the product and jurisdiction. Such dates are guidelines and do not guarantee that milk will remain fresh until that date. Milk can spoil before the printed date because of improper storage, temperature fluctuations, contamination, or other factors.
Always consider the condition of the product rather than relying solely on the date. If the jug is swollen, the date alone should not be used to determine whether the milk is