Is it safe to keep milk in its original plastic jug for a week?
Based on 1 peer-reviewed studykitchen
Verdict: Use Caution
Milk stays fresh, but plasticizer migration continues the whole time.
What's actually in it
HDPE plastic milk jugs release trace amounts of plasticizers and microplastics steadily while refrigerated. A week in the jug is not a food safety problem for spoilage, but it's a steady chemical exposure.
What the research says
A 2025 study mapped phthalate intake from food packaging; fatty foods in plastic were a top source.
Transfer milk to a glass pitcher when you bring it home. Use the pitcher at the table; keep the rest sealed.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic additives in the diet. | J Hazard Mater | 2025 |
What to use instead
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