Can you get sick from drinking bad milk?

Drinking bad or sour milk does not cause sickness in most cases. There is a small risk of food poisoning in consuming spoiled milk in large doses, but the risk is minimal.

Milk that has spoiled has an unpleasant taste and smell. Bad milk also becomes thicker and may contain chunks. The expiration date listed on a container of milk is the guide for its shelf life. After this date has passed, the milk may begin to have an undesirable odor and taste.

The process of pasteurization removes harmful pathogens and also increases the shelf life of the product. Milk should be refrigerated and not left out at room temperature.