What do you NOT need to check for when inspecting dairy?

When inspecting dairy products, it is crucial to evaluate factors that directly affect their safety and quality. Among these, checking the smell can reveal spoilage, as sour or off odors indicate that the dairy may be unsafe for consumption. The temperature is another important factor, since dairy must be kept at proper refrigeration temperatures to prevent bacterial growth. The expiration date is also critical, as consuming dairy past this date can lead to foodborne illnesses.

On the other hand, the color of the carton itself does not provide significant information about the quality or safety of the dairy product inside. A carton can be any color and still contain dairy that is perfectly fine to consume; thus, paying attention to the color of the carton is not necessary for ensuring the dairy is safe to use. This highlights why checking the carton color is not an essential aspect when inspecting dairy products.