'Never' use common test to check if out-of-date milk is fresh - it 'won't work'

We've all been there. Gone to the fridge ready for your morning cuppa of bowl of cereal only to find the last bottle of milk has passed its use-by date.

For many it can be tempting to give it a quick sniff and if it is still smelling fine then decided all's well and use it anyway. However experts are saying the common habit is one which should be dumped in the bin along with the out of date milk.

While some supermarkets have ditched the use-by dates on milks others still have them. And it is these products with a use by date that need to be watched.

According to the Food Standards Agency the test might even result in you being sick if you chance it. It warns: "It's not safe to use the sniff test for any food with a use-by date. The sniff test won't work as you can't smell the bugs that cause food poisoning.

"Milk and some other dairy products like yoghurt can have either a use-by date or a best before date. The manufacturer decides which date marking is the best for the food they produce. Whether these foods have a use-by or best before date is down to the manufacturer and the way the food is processed.

"If a food has a best before date the sniff test can be used - the best before date is about quality, not safety. You can smell food with a best before date to see if it has spoiled.

"You can also use visual cues, such as whether you can see mould or if there are any changes to texture. Food with best before can be eaten after the date on the pack, however they may not taste as good as they did before.

"It's always better to check the storage, use-by and best before dates when you buy food so you can help ensure it's safe and to prevent waste."

How can I give my milk a longer life-span?

You can freeze milk if you've got too much but don't want to waste it. According to the Dairy Farmers of Canada, unopened milk can be frozen in its original packaging for up to six weeks.

It also has other tips to make the most of your milk. It says: "In general, milk should be refrigerated at a temperature of between 0 °C and 4 °C. Keeping milk cold is critical to ensure it stays fresh, lasts longer, and keeps its delicious taste.

"The key is not to break the "cold chain" between the grocery store and home. And, once home, to keep it in the fridge as much as possible."