Why does milk expire earlier in NYC?
 

http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/4674/img00476nz.jpg

That's the carton of milk I bought last week. As you can see, the sell by date is earlier in NYC than the rest of the world or country or whatever. Why is this? Also, has anyone not seen this ever? JBB didn't know what I was talking about and then when I showed him the picture he said he'd never seen that or at least never noticed it. I assume it's probably not on milk off the east coast, but who knows.

Anyway, please help me understand.

Re: Why does milk expire earlier in NYC?
 

Is there a 1-800 number on the carton?

Re: Why does milk expire earlier in NYC?
 

[ QUOTE ]
Is there a 1-800 number on the carton?

[/ QUOTE ]
Yes, but I'm scared to talk to someone that couldn't find a better job than answering a 1800 number for milk.

Re: Why does milk expire earlier in NYC?
 

I will, post the number.

Re: Why does milk expire earlier in NYC?
 

[ QUOTE ]
I will, post the number.

[/ QUOTE ]
800-395-7004

Re: Why does milk expire earlier in NYC?
 

ny may have stricter rules and regulations?

Re: Why does milk expire earlier in NYC?
 

Evan,

call it, post results. You might be surprised. A lot of the time the people you end up talking to aren't just phone monkeys.

Re: Why does milk expire earlier in NYC?
 

Stricter regulatory burden, maybe? That's my best guess.

Will

Re: Why does milk expire earlier in NYC?
 

[ QUOTE ]
phone monkeys

[/ QUOTE ]

I lol'ed.

Re: Why does milk expire earlier in NYC?
 

The answer is that NYC has more open coolers, so the milk does not stay as cold, so it goes bad faster. Take a look at any little deli in NY and you'll see poorly refridgerated coolers.

Re: Why does milk expire earlier in NYC?
 

Public transportation, population density, and general awesomeness.

Re: Why does milk expire earlier in NYC?
 

i have no idea about the nyc thing. my girl converted me to
organic milk (horizon/organic valley) several years ago and the exp. dates are really long. ive always wondered about that too.

Re: Why does milk expire earlier in NYC?
 

[ QUOTE ]
JBB didn't know what I was talking about and then when I showed him the picture he said he'd never seen that or at least never noticed it.

[/ QUOTE ]

He never noticed the expiration date? I'm not exactly sure how the picture proves anything as the milk could of been sitting in a fridge at the market for week.

There are a lot of factors to this. Simply knowing if the milk is pasteurized or not could answer the question.

Re: Why does milk expire earlier in NYC?
 

[ QUOTE ]
The answer is that NYC has more open coolers, so the milk does not stay as cold, so it goes bad faster. Take a look at any little deli in NY and you'll see poorly refridgerated coolers.

[/ QUOTE ]

I was thinking somewhat along the same line, but it having to do with trucking it from farms a greater distance than any other retailer that particular distributer sells to. In the truck longer may equal not as cold during transport?

Trip Report
 

Nancy, from customer services was able to answer my questions. NYC has deemed that milk has a shelf-life of 15 days, whereas, the other areas where this product is sold generally has a shelf-life of 18 days.

Re: Trip Report
 

[ QUOTE ]
Nancy, from customer services was able to answer my questions. NYC has deemed that milk has a shelf-life of 15 days, whereas, the other areas where this product is sold generally has a shelf-life of 18 days.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is basically what i was expecting. So if you are in NYC feel free to drink your milk past the NYC date...

Re: Why does milk expire earlier in NYC?
 

I have noticed this for years and always wondered about it.

The real question is how is it that JBB has never noticed this. I guess he doesn't drink milk.

I have always just assumed that it has to do with the refrigeration issue. A lot of milk gets sold at Bodegas where they have crappy refrigerators, so NYC is probably just being cautious.

Re: Why does milk expire earlier in NYC?
 

[ QUOTE ]
The answer is that NYC has more open coolers, so the milk does not stay as cold, so it goes bad faster. Take a look at any little deli in NY and you'll see poorly refridgerated coolers.

[/ QUOTE ]

the winner.

TT [img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img]

Re: Why does milk expire earlier in NYC?
 

This boggled my mind as well when I moved to northern Jersey and noticed it on the jugs as well. The above answers sound pretty good to me. I'd call the number, but that's already been taken care of.

Side note:
Why the hell was the skim selling for $2.19 and everything else for $3.99 this week? It should be the other way around. I shouldn't have to pay more for fat.

Re: Why does milk expire earlier in NYC?
 

[ QUOTE ]

Side note:
Why the hell was the skim selling for $2.19 and everything else for $3.99 this week? It should be the other way around. I shouldn't have to pay more for fat.

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually when you buy milk that is exactly what you are paying for. Milk is made up of water and milk solids(milk fat, proteins, etc.). SO when you buy skim milk most of the milk fat has been removed. This can be used to make other dairy products. When you buy skim milk you are buying more water than if you bought 2% or whole milk. Therefor the cheaper price for skim milk than for other higher fat milk.

Re: Why does milk expire earlier in NYC?
 

regarding the transportation and refrigeration issues: i use to work on a shipping dock and also drove reefer trailers(refrigerated). they will keep products frozen as long is there is fuel.