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, the 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, we offer a tailor-made studies depending upon the composition of your products, storage and packaging. The quality changes caused by the storage condition are evaluated at specific sampling durations and are evaluated through quality analysis testing and microbial safety analysis.
AES Labs also provides accelerated shelf life studies during which the food product is conditioned and stored at elevated temperature and/or humidity and the quality changes of the product are evaluated at a specific sampling rate. The accelerated shelf life testing can significantly shorten the duration of shelf life study to ½ or ¼ of the standard shelf life study.
Our laboratories use the latest shelf life testing methods and technology, and are accredited to the international standard for quality management (ISO 17025). Therefore, you can be sure of a high quality, cost effective service which delivers accurate shelf life test results that will help to demonstrate compliance with statutory requirements.
Parameters for Shelf Life Testing
By performing shelf life testing, you can define accurate dates for your products, ensuring that the quality remains acceptable and safe for consumers. Just some of the analyses our specialists can carry out include tests for:
- Food-borne micro-organisms such as Listeria, Salmonella, Campylobacter, E.Coli, Yeasts and Moulds, Staphylococcus Aureus, Bacillus Cereus, Lactic Acid Bacteria
- Total viable count
- Enterobacteriaceae
- Moisture content
- Acidity levels
- pH
- Water activity
- Brix (sugar level)
- Fat rancidity
Accurate and reliable shelf life testing will reduce the risk of product recalls, and identifying the causes of reduced shelf life will help you to improve your products, processes and ultimately your profitability.