where is my milk from?

a few basic rules to know first

• The code is made up of two parts: a state code and a plant code. Oftentimes the two parts are separated by a space or a dash. For example 4907 could also be 49 07 or 49-07.
  • The first part is the first two numbers, and they are always numbers. They make up the state code and will always be between 01 and 56.
  • The second part, and everything after the first two numbers is the plant code. It can be one to five numbers or letters, and could include a dash.
• Codes are usually printed near the top of the carton or on lids. Sometimes they are printed right on the label.

the easy examples

The easiest ones just identify the code for you with PLT or Plant

	This is from a gallon of Winder Farms milk. The first part is between 0 and 56, and the rest works too 49-16 try it now
	From a can of whipped cream, the code is clearly identified with PLANT NO. 18-1892 try it now
	This Dannon yogurt has the code printed twice, identified by PLT Notice the two parts of the code: 39, and 135. Both fit the rules explained. 39-135 try it now
	next: more advanced examples

these ones are a little more difficult

When the code isn't clearly identified, you have to rely on the rules.

	The first part is a date, so 15-10 is not the code. The next part starts with GE, and codes can't start with letters The 23:36 isn't the code either, because codes do not have colons. That leaves 06-446 try it now
	The first part is just a date, and a seemingly random letter A, which you should ignore. EH-3 looks possible, but codes can't start with letters. This rules out L2 or V1 from being part of the code. 3 L2 is possible, but letters are rare for any part of the code. 17:55 is wrong because of the colon. The only part left is 20-283 try it now
	By now you're probably starting to figure it out. Sometimes though, the code can just be difficult to see. This Yoplait yogurt has the code pressed into the foil lid right under SELL BY. CNH is just wrong, and 11FEB is my sister's birthday. That leaves 06-490?. It could be a 2 or a 7. Trying both reveals 06-4902 as the correct code. try it now
	next: examples of products without codes

examples of untrackable codes

Printing codes on products is voluntary, so not everything will have a code. Rarely, it has a code and it's just not published. Here are some examples:

	We can rule out the MAY 31 because that's definitely part of the date. The 10 is likely part of the date as well. WS 37 is invalid because it starts with letters. Remember, the first part of the code is always two numbers. That leaves 10 WS, a valid, but very unlikely code. At this time, the second part of all codes has at least one number. No code
	The code is usually separate from any LOT ids. 14:05 is invalid because of the colon. The only problem with 321 08 is its strange grouping of the two parts of the code. This gives us the hint that it is probably not the code. No Code
	First of all, this isn't a dairy product. Despite this fact, some non-dairy products still get bottled at the same plant as dairy products, and can sometimes be identified (see the next example) You might think that 9 8 is the code, but if it were really the code it would have to be at least 09 8. No code
	This is Meadow Gold orange juice. 03 Feb and 17:40 are both invalid. 0808N follows the pattern of a valid code, but it is not. Letters are rare, so if you drop the N, 0808 reveals the correct location. try it now
	next: back to the beginning