Shelf-life Determination: Methods and Best Practices for Food Products

Manufacturers assess the shelf life testing lab products using a variety of scientific testing techniques. In real-time shelf-life testing, food is stored under normal circumstances while changes are tracked over time. Real-time testing is quite accurate, but it can take a lot of time, particularly for items with long shelf lives. By subjecting food to increased temperatures and humidity levels, accelerated shelf-life testing (ASLT) mimics the aging process and enables manufacturers to estimate shelf life over a shorter time frame, particularly for packaged foods. By monitoring microbial development over time, microbiological analysis can detect any spoiling hazards and make sure the product satisfies food safety regulations. A trained panel evaluates changes in taste, texture, smell, and appearance as part of the sensory evaluation process. Determining when a product is no longer acceptable to customers requires sensory examination. Best Practices for Shelf-life Det...