Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 7:00pm

Containers of milk sold in NYC have two “sell by” dates: the dairy industry standard date, and the NYC Board of Health mandated date:

The city’s milk-dating system, said Dr. Pascal James Imperato, a former city health commissioner, is a relic of the days when the chain of refrigeration from the point of pasteurization to consumption was often broken. Delivery trucks had inadequate refrigeration. They were delayed. And many times their drivers had no choice but to leave milk on door steps. For hours.

The Board of Health has finally voted to get rid of the special NYC date. 

I always knew the reason behind the special NYC date, but I always wanted to see the preeminent defense attorney, Vincent LaGuardia Gambini, cross examine an NYC Board of Health member about the need for the extra date:

Vinny Gambini: Are we to believe that milk goes bad faster in New York City than anywhere else on the face of the earth?  I guess the laws of physics cease to exist on the island of Manhattan. Is this magic milk?  Did it come from the cow that Jack traded for his magic beanstalk beans?