Removing Mysterious Sell-By Date From Milk Cartons

For decades, containers of milk sold in New York City have been stamped with two expiration dates: one carrying the dairy industry’s recommended “sell by” date and an earlier one — sometimes nearly a week earlier — mandated by the city.

The conflicting dates have caused much confusion — Is there something in the city’s air that sours milk? Can I drink this or not? — and, milk sellers argued, resulted in the throwing away of rivers of perfectly drinkable milk.

On Tuesday, the city’s Board of Health voted to eliminate the New York City date, leaving consumers to be guided by the stamp bearing the industry’s recommended date, set to 15 days after pasteurization.

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