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Originally Posted by Dillbert  if you open a container of pasteurized or ultra pasteurized cream, the length of time until it starts to grow things - some of which are not remotely visible to the human eye - depends _entirely_ on the sterility of the environment.
the shelf life of pasteurized or ultra pasteurized cream applies only to a sealed, unopened container.
be aware, in USA the Federal vs. state vs local laws/regulations for shelf life may vary.
also, statements like "one month in the refrigerator" are utterly meaningless - start checking dates on dairy produces in your market. "old" stock may have dates days or weeks less than "new" stock.
also, depending on product/local laws/regulations, the printed date may be "sell by" or "use by" - it behooveth the shopped to know which that may be.
>>Do they actually mean . . .
that's the problem. they don't know and they don't have a copy editor.
once opened, pasteurized or ultra pasteurized cream - actually any pre-packaged product -has equal opportunity to become "contaminated" from the environment - a 1000% uncontrolled variable. if your locale labels "sell by" - there is some implicit assumption of safe storage to a "use by" event. if your refrigerator is maintaining 46'F, or you have small children running off and leaving the door open half the day, the implicit elapsed time from "sell" to "use" may not be safely valid. |
I always check the "sell by" dates on dairy products meticulously before purchasing, and always pick a carton that has a date that is the furthest in the future.
My refrigerator is usually 36'F. It will go higher (up to 41 or 42) during its defrost cycle, but drops back down fairly quickly. I have a digital thermometer with remote sensors for the 'fridge and freezer, and separate display unit that attaches to the outside of the fridge so I don't have to open the fridge to check the temps. I don't have kids opening the doors either.
So how quickly would you say I need to use up an 8oz carton of ultra-pasteurized whipping cream after it's been opened?