Concerns grow over spoiled Walmart milk, experts discuss expiration dates

What started as a tip from a local Walmart customer concerned about milk spoiling before the expiration date has become the most viewed story on wane.com. Dozens of Walmart shoppers in states across the country have contacted WANE 15 with the same complaint. When shopping for milk or other food products, one of the first places customers check is the date on the package. The phrasing may vary from "use by," to "sell by," or even "best by." While many consumers put their faith in those dates,15 Finds Out has learned that the dates printed are not federally regulated. In fact, they're not even required to be printed on any product except baby formula. The Indiana State Board of Animal Health is responsible for inspecting dairy farms, processing plants and tanker trucks that haul milk."We have received some complaints about fluid milk products that are going to Walmart stores that have been processed at the new Fort Wayne plant," said Denise Derrer, a spokesperson for the State Board of Animal Health. "But we have not found any food safety issues with those."Research shows contamination after processing accounts for about 50 percent of spoiled milk. This can happen when the milk is not stored at proper temperature which allows bacteria to grow rapidly causing defects.