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Questions and Answers
- What is pasteurization?
- What is oxidation?
- What is the best way to keep milk fresh?
- How do I determine the freshness of a food based on the date on the package?
- What is pasteurization?
Pasteurization is the process of heating milk and milk products to the required temperature and holding it continuously at that temperature for the minimum required time before it is cooled. In the process of pasteurization, raw milk is held for 15 seconds at 161 degrees Fahrenheit. Pathogens are destroyed in this process. Federal law requires the pasteurization of milk. The milk bottling plants at Foremost Farms USA use the high-temperature, short-time (HTST) method of pasteurization.
The process of pasteurization was named after Louis Pasteur who discovered that spoilage organisms could be inactivated in wine by applying heat at temperatures below its boiling point. The process was later applied to milk and continues to be the most important food safety tool in use in the world today.
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- What is oxidation?
Oxidation is a chemical reaction between oxygen and the polyunsaturated fatty acids of the membrane that surrounds each fat globule. This reaction produces aldehydes and ketones, which cause the milk to have a distinctive oxidized taste or "off" flavor. The flavor is often described as tasting "cardboardy," "metallic," or "oily" in nature. Oxidized milk is not a health risk. The taste however, can make the milk undrinkable.
Oxidation can occur either spontaneously or be induced by external factors. Pasteurization can slow the oxidation process, but does not stop it. Light can increase the reactivity of oxygen on milk fatty acids, which accelerates oxidized milk flavor development. This can happen when milk is exposed to direct bright lights in retail stores. This problem is more common in low-fat milk products due to the fact that light can penetrate through the milk more deeply. When shopping, ask that your milk be put in a paper bag. This will keep the milk colder and also prevent light from coming in contact with it.
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- What is the best way to keep milk fresh?
Milk should be maintained at a temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for milk storage is between 32 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. There is a rapid decrease in shelf life at higher temperatures. Even a one-degree increase can affect the shelf life. For each 18-degree increase in temperature, the spoilage rate of the milk doubles.
Use the following tips to keep your milk fresh:
Rotate milk in your refrigerator.
- Check the refrigerator temperature occasionally to make sure it's between 34 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Refrigerate milk promptly after purchase.
- Return milk to the refrigerator after each use — don't let milk sit out on the kitchen counter.
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- How do I determine the freshness of a food based on the date on the package?
All milk sold under the GG Golden Guernsey Dairy and Morning Glory trademarks uses an open dating system. This date is labeled on the package near the words "Sell By" or "To Be Sold By." The date indicates the last date the product can remain on a store shelf. Milk generally will keep for an additional four to seven days past the "Sell By" date if it is properly refrigerated. Once the package has been opened, the product should be used within a week.
When shopping for dairy products, check the code date. If the date is past due, notify a store employee. Buy only the amount and size of product that can be used in a reasonable amount of time. Milk comes in many different sizes; buy the size that works best for you. Our customer service number appears on every label. If there is a question, please call 1-800-289-7787.
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Kids Caps & Cash™
Redemption program is extended for 2007-2008 school year. If you are currently enrolled, there is no need to enroll again. You may use the same identification numbers.
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