Can drinking left out oat milk cause serious harm?

Question

Hello doctor,

Can drinking oat milk that has been left out on the counter for a few days over the course of a few years cause serious or permanent damage? I usually finish the container in two to three days and buy shelf-stable containers, but I was not aware that oat milk should be refrigerated after two hours. Although I have never had food poisoning from this, I do have stomach issues (irritable bowel syndrome). Should I be concerned about any serious harm that could have resulted from this?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Mostly pasteurized milk be it in any form needs to be refrigerated and must be consumed within 72 hours once open since the bacteria grow making it unfit to drink and can cause many problems, such as gut-related issues like infection, bloating, and pain. I advise that if you have any such symptoms, then please take a course of antibiotics. If not, stop using milk that is stale.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to ask.

Thank you.