How can you tell if a dairy product has gone bad?

The identification of whether a dairy product has gone bad is primarily based on several sensory cues, and the correct choice emphasizes critical signs such as sour smell, discoloration, or an off texture. When dairy products spoil, they undergo changes due to bacteria and enzymes breaking down the milk proteins and fats.

A sour smell is an important indicator because it signifies that lactic acid bacteria have proliferated, which is a common cause for sourness in milk and other dairy products. Discoloration can indicate that the product has been exposed to harmful microorganisms or has deteriorated in quality, reflecting spoilage. An off texture may present as curdling, separation, or a slimy surface, which are clear signs that the product is no longer safe to consume.

In contrast, a sweet smell along with a creamy texture suggests freshness, which is contrary to spoilage indicators. Consistency remaining unchanged does not provide enough information about the product's safety, as texture alone cannot confirm whether something is still safe to eat. Lastly, relying solely on the packaging date can be misleading because it does not account for variables like storage conditions or how long the product has been opened. Hence, assessing sensory factors is crucial for determining the quality of dairy products.