What Can Happen to a Baby Who Drinks Spoiled Milk?

By Staff Writer | Last Updated August 4, 2015

After drinking spoiled milk, a baby may vomit because of the bad taste, but he usually does not develop foodborne illness, according to The Stir. If the baby develops symptoms, including diarrhea, prolonged vomiting, fever or blood in the stools, prompt medical attention is advised.

Spoilage bacteria typically cause milk to spoil and do not usually cause illness, according to the USDA. This kind of bacteria grows well in cold temperatures and causes food to develop unpleasant textures, bad tastes and foul odors. Conversely, pathogenic bacteria commonly cause foodborne illness and do not affect the appearance, taste or smell of the food. Pathogenic bacteria multiply quickly at temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Keeping milk refrigerated in its original container at a temperature from 38 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit is important to maintain its freshness, according to the Dairy Council of California. After purchasing milk, it should be taken home and refrigerated promptly. Keeping the milk stored away from the refrigerator door is advised to prevent exposure to warm air when the door opens. It is best to avoid leaving milk out of the refrigerator for an extended time, as this can lead to bacterial growth and spoilage. With proper handling and storage, milk that still smells good is generally safe to drink past its sell-by date.