The right way to store milk: avoid this common mistake to protect your health

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Whether it’s winter or summer the refrigerator remains equally essential especially for storing items like milk. Milk is highly perishable and while it stays fresh for many days in the fridge, it spoils within hours if kept outside. But is it good for health to store milk in the fridge and what are the best practices to ensure it stays fresh and safe? According to the US Department of Agriculture milk can last up to a week when properly stored in the fridge. Without refrigeration milk spoils within eight hours and in the summer heat it can go bad in just one to two hours if not boiled.

While storing milk in the fridge is necessary to preserve its freshness many people are unsure whether it's safe. The answer is yes but there are a few important guidelines to follow. Repeated boiling of milk reduces its nutritional value so it is best to boil the milk once and store it in the fridge to maintain its quality. However raw milk should never be stored in the fridge as it can harbor bacteria and viruses posing risks to gastrointestinal and immune system health.

The proper placement of milk in the fridge is also crucial. Many people mistakenly store milk in the door compartments of the fridge where temperatures fluctuate due to frequent opening and closing. To keep milk fresh for a longer period, place it in the lowest compartment at the back of the fridge where it stays colder. By following these storage tips, milk can remain fresh and safe for consumption, supporting both your health and convenience.