The length of time for which a food item can be stored before it goes bad or becomes unsafe to eat is an important parameter with regards to food safety. Food manufacturers need to accurately determine and mention the use by or best before dates for their products in order to meet strict regulations and to keep their brand and consumers safe. It applies to cosmetics, foods and beverages, medical devices, medicines, explosives, pharmaceutical drugs, chemicals, tyres, batteries, and many other perishable items.
Shelf life is a product of physical, microbiological and chemical processes, triggered by any one of a multitude of contributing factors. Product characteristics, including the quality and consistency of ingredients, moisture content and acidity levels, all play a part, as do external factors like storage, transport and packaging materials.
Given the complexity of factors contributing to the shelf life of food, our experts can offer a bespoke service that is tailor-made to the composition of your products, storage and packaging. By performing shelf life analyses, one can define accurate expiry dates for your products, ensuring that the quality remains acceptable and safe for consumers.
FARE Labs, accredited to the international standard for quality management systems as per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is well equipped with the latest shelf life testing methods and technologies. Therefore, you can be sure of high quality, cost-effective service which delivers accurate shelf-life test results that will help you to demonstrate compliance with statutory requirements.
A shelf-life study assesses the food product quality and hygiene by undergoing a thorough chemical and physical, as well as microbiological analysis.
SENSORY / PHYSICAL PARAMETERS
- Appearance
- Odour
- Colour
- Taste
- Texture
CHEMICAL PARAMETERS
- Moisture Content
- Water Activity
- pH
- Acidity
- Alcoholic Acidity
- Peroxide Value
- Acid Value
- Free Fatty Acids (FFA)
- Rancidity
- Fat
- Protein
- Salt