Perishable Storage Times
When I buy milk, it seems like it always goes bad before the printed "sell by" date, especially if it’s not in a light-blocking container. This happens even when I dig for the one at the back of the case with the longest outdate.
— J.G., Lebanon, NH

There are two separate issues here — the meaning of "sell-by" dates on perishable items like dairy products and the effect of light-blocking containers on fluid milk quality.

"Sell by" and "use-by" dates on perishable products apply to items that have not been previously opened. Once you open a perishable product, you have exposed the contents to possible contaminants which can cause spoilage. In general, an opened container of milk refrigerated at 40 degrees Fahrenheit can be expected to keep for no longer than five to seven days, regardless of the "sell by" date. Cottage cheese and soft cheeses such as Brie and Camembert should be eaten within a week of opening due to the possibility of food-borne illness from Listeria, a potentially deadly bacteria that grows well at refrigerator temperatures.

Light-blocking containers, such as opaque plastic or paperboard, protect milk from light-induced loss of vitamins and may also protect against the development of off-flavors. According to a referenced status report from the American Dairy Council, paperboard appears to be preferable to glass, clear polycarbonate, or translucent polyethylene when looking at the development of light-induced off-flavors. In research involving translucent plastic jugs, almost half of 449 samples appeared to be developing light-induced off-flavors within 36 hours. It should be noted, however, that this is a chemical change not to be confused with the proliferation of dangerous bacteria.

For a complete listing of safe storage times for perishable products, check our in-store brochure displays for a copy of the USDA Cold Storage Chart.

Contact Us On-Line!
Why don’t you allow people to note questions/suggestions via e-mail?
— T.L., Hanover, NH

We do! In fact, it’s a much quicker way to receive a response because e-mail connections can be made at any time of day or night. You can send us questions, comments, complaints, suggestions, product requests, or any other type of message via comment@coopfoodstore.com. Be sure to visit our web site, www.coopfoodstore.com, for archived questions and answers received through e-mail.

Why We Love Our Suggestion Box
July 22, 2001
Your co-op is way behind the times, selling the same garbage food that the big corporations sell. You also sell good stuff; why sell the poison? I came in here to buy some pure water to fill my gallon jugs. You don’t have a water machine. You people need to catch up to the other co-ops.
— S.D., Lebanon, NH

July 31, 2001
I am here from New York and I am amazed at how satisfactory this co-op is. All the co-ops I’ve been to have some of this and some of that but this has everything. I love it here and I’m glad food in New Hampshire is so well cared for.
— Anonymous

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