Shelf Life Studies

Protecting Your Bottom Line

Shelf life studies are essential for ensuring the profitability of your company and the protection of your brand. An accurate shelf life determination is crucial; a product shelf life that is too short results in unnecessary waste and higher costs, while a shelf life that is too long can lead to a decline in product quality and damage your brand's reputation.

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Key Considerations for Shelf Life Studies

Understanding the various factors influencing shelf life is vital for accurate product labeling and maintaining quality. Here are the key aspects we consider in our comprehensive shelf life studies:

Regulatory Guidelines

Effective expiry labeling is guided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards. These phrases help inform consumers and retailers about the optimal time frames for product use and display:

Best if Used By/Before: Indicates when a product will be at its best flavor or quality.
Sell-By: Instructs the store on how long to display the product for sale and manage inventory.
Use-By: The last date recommended for the use of the product while it is at peak quality.

Matrix Attributes

We evaluate various attributes that indicate product stability and quality over time, including:

Sensory Characteristics: Evaluating odor, texture, and appearance will ensure consumer satisfaction upon purchase.
Chemical Attributes: Monitoring changes in pH, water activity, and other chemical properties that can impact shelf life.
Microbiological Content: Assessing the presence and growth of microorganisms to ensure quality.

Packaging

Our Process

Our thorough shelf life studies follow a detailed process to provide you with reliable and actionable results:

Initial
Consultation

Initial Consultation

A great first step in meeting your team and understanding the greatness of your product.

Custom
Testing Plan

Custom Testing Plan

Development of a tailored testing plan that considers all relevant factors to ensure your brand is protected.

Laboratory
Testing

Laboratory Testing

A comprehensive evaluation to include microbiology, chemistry, and sensory testing.

Data
Analysis

Data Analysis

Interpreting the results in microbiology, chemistry, and sensory will provide clear, actionable insights.

Advanced
Reporting

Advanced Reporting

A comprehensive report with recommendations for shelf life will provide confidence for labeling.

Ready to get started?

Choosing 5 log reduction for your shelf life studies means partnering with experts dedicated to your success. Ready to ensure the optimal shelf life for your products? Contact us today to learn more about our Shelf Life Studies and how we can support your business.