How long should I not drink leftover milk

It is generally not recommended to continue drinking leftover milk at room temperature for more than 2 hours or refrigerated for more than 24 hours. The spoilage of milk is affected by factors such as storage temperature, packaging sealing, environmental microbial contamination, initial hygiene conditions, and whether it is repeatedly taken. Milk, as a high protein beverage, is prone to bacterial growth after opening. At room temperature, the growth rate of microorganisms accelerates and may reach unsafe levels within 2 hours. refrigeration can delay spoilage, but it cannot completely inhibit bacterial activity, especially when repeatedly taken from the refrigerator, which can cause temperature fluctuations and accelerate spoilage. If milk shows obvious signs of spoilage such as clumping, sourness, and yellowing, it should be discarded immediately. In special circumstances, ultra-high temperature sterilized milk may have an extended safety period due to process differences, but the above principles still need to be followed after opening. Some people mistakenly believe that boiling can kill bacteria, but high temperatures cannot eliminate the toxins already produced and can damage nutrition. Lactose intolerant individuals who consume spoiled milk may worsen diarrhea symptoms, and immunocompromised individuals need to be more cautious.

It is recommended to refrigerate milk below 4 ℃ and consume it as soon as possible after opening. Using clean containers for packaging can reduce pollution and avoid drinking directly from the mouth. Observing changes in traits is the key to determining safety, and do not take risks when abnormalities occur. People with dairy allergies should choose plant-based milk as a substitute, and pay attention to avoiding smelly foods during daily storage to prevent cross contamination from affecting quality.