Expert: Walter Hintz - 6/5/2010

Question
Today I left my house around 9:00 AM, and I returned around 6:30. The problem is that I accidentally left a glass of milk on my desk, at room temperature (I left the AC off but kept the window open).

The temperature was approximately 80 degrees for the day.

My parents think the milk is bad, and want me to throw it out, but I see no problem in drinking it. Will I get sick from bacteria if I drink this milk?

(I took a small taste and it tasted okay, just warm.)

Answer
 Hi John
Milk is soured by a bacteria called Lactobacillus. You ingest these even if it is not soured and they do not hurt you. As long as the milk tastes all right there is no danger in drinking it but if drinking it worries mom and dad I would dump it out.