In this brief article, we’ll explore the search query: “What should I do if I accidentally drank spoiled milk?” Also, we’ll explore what happens to milk when it spoils, what the side effects of drinking spoiled milk are, and how to properly store milk to extend its shelf life.
What should I do if I accidentally drank spoiled milk?
If our readers accidentally drink spoiled milk, they should rinse out their mouths with water several times. Brushing their teeth and using mouthwash may also be recommended to remove the bitter taste.
Afterward, they may drink water or something fizzy to wash away the taste and any residue.
Having a single sip of spoiled milk is unlikely to cause symptoms of food poisoning, whereas accidentally knocking back a glass of spoiled milk can trigger symptoms.
In cases where the ingested volume was small, symptoms may abate on their own, but if a considerable volume was ingested, paying a visit to a general practitioner may not be a bad idea.
Hydration is important to treat any symptoms of food poisoning, so our readers may find it handy to have oral electrolytes (such as Pedialyte) at hand. More severe symptoms of dehydration may require medical intervention, such as intravenous fluids and hospitalization.
This may be the case for those who are especially vulnerable to symptoms of food poisoning, such as the elderly, pregnant women, small children, and immunocompromised patients.
What happens to milk when it spoils?
When milk spoils it begins to undergo chemical and biological changes that alter its nutritional content, and the concentration of microbes in it.
When milk spoils, the fat in it goes rancid (breaks down), and bacteria such as lactococci and lactobacilli begin to proliferate. These bacteria break down lactose (a two-molecule sugar) into its basic components; glucose and galactose, and in the process, they generate lactic acid as a by-product.
Most often, this change is brought on by keeping milk at a temperature above that of refrigeration, as these bacteria are kept in check at temperatures between 0 and 4°C
When lactic acid is produced, it forms a curd from the casein (a protein naturally present in milk) and splits it into an aqueous phase (whey) and a liquid phase. The milk has curdled, soured, and effectively begun to spoil.
The spoilage can be further exacerbated by the presence of bacteria and molds, which can use the glucose (that the lactic bacteria broke lactose down into) as sustenance.
Other microbes may begin to grow on the dairy fat, adding to the unpleasant smells and taste.
What are the side effects of drinking spoiled milk?
Drinking spoiled milk can trigger symptoms of food poisoning if it is contaminated with disease-causing bacteria.
Individuals with sensitivities may experience upset stomachs, such as noises, pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
To experience severe symptoms, our readers would have to ingest a considerable amount of spoiled milk, though this may be unlikely to happen due to its repulsive taste.
How can I store milk to extend its shelf life?
Milk should be properly stored in refrigeration to extend its shelf life to the fullest. This means that cartons should be placed on a shelf nearest to the cooling source and kept away from the refrigerator door, as these temperature fluctuations can shorten their shelf life.
Buying ultra-pasteurized milk is also a great way to economize space, buy milk in bulk and keep milk from spoiling.
Alternatively, milk can be frozen, though this may require portioning it before it solidifies (such as flash freezing it in an ice cube tray), and then storing it in a container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
Keeping milk away from high temperatures and minimizing its exposure to airborne microbes is key in extending its shelf life, and therefore, we encourage our readers to store their milk in low temperatures, avoid leaving it out in balmy spaces, and always keep it sealed and protected from microbes.
Conclusion
In this brief article, we’ve explored the search query: “What should I do if I accidentally drank spoiled milk?” Also, we’ve explored what happens to milk when it spoils, what the side effects of drinking spoiled milk are, and how to properly store milk to extend its shelf life.