Annie Hughesannieh@abcr.com

Shelf Life Studies:

A Step by Step Guide

SHELF LIFE STUDIES

• What is a shelf life study and are there different types?

• Who should have shelf life studies done?

• What types of products are suitable for shelf life studies?

• What can affect the Shelf Life?

• How long does a shelf life study last?

• What information will I need to gather before contacting ABC?

Step by Step Guide:

SHELF LIFE STUDIES

What is a Shelf Life Study?

• Shelf life studies are conducted on various types of products to determine the length of time the product will retain certain qualities including acceptable microbial counts, taste, appearance, vitamin levels , and odor. They are typically performed as customer requirements.

• The shelf life study will determine the “Best By Date” for your product

SHELF LIFE STUDIES

Who Needs a Shelf Life Study?• Clients whose buyer requires them to have a 3rd party

lab verify or conduct a shelf life study

• Clients with Value-Added products

• Clients who need to confirm or determine the shelf life of their product or a competitor’s product

• Clients in compliance with regulatory requirements

• Clients who want to understand their products better

SHELF LIFE STUDIES

Types of Shelf Life Studies

1. MICROBIOLOGICAL

2. ORGANOLEPTIC

3. PHYSICAL / CHEMICAL

4. MICROBIOLOGICAL ORGANOLEPTIC PHYSICAL / CHEMICAL

SHELF LIFE STUDIES

Types of Shelf Life StudiesMICROBIOLOGICAL

•Your product will be assessed for the most appropriate microbiological analysis to monitor the microbial quality of your product

•Shelf life study will end when microbial spoilage is observed

**Microbial Safety of your product can be assessed by performing additional testing**

SHELF LIFE STUDIES

Types of Shelf Life StudiesORGANOLEPTIC

•Your product will be assessed based on sensory attributes – appearance, odor, taste, texture

•Generally 8-10 experienced panelists, but study is designed around your needs

•Shelf life study will typically end when product is disliked or unacceptable to panelists

SHELF LIFE STUDIES

Types of Shelf Life StudiesPHYSICAL / CHEMICAL

ABC’s full service chemistry lab can analyze for:

•Vitamin and Mineral Content

•Nutritional content

•Oxidation of fats / oils

•Separation characteristics

•Rancidity

SHELF LIFE STUDIES

Types of Shelf Life StudiesMICROBIOLOGICAL, ORGANOLEPTIC, PHYSICAL,

CHEMICAL

•Combination of all 3 types of shelf life studies

•Shelf Life study will typically end when one of these evaluations fails

•Can be customized to meet your needs

SHELF LIFE STUDIES

What can Affect Shelf Life:

• Initial Microbial Load

• Moisture, pH and Water Activity

• Fat, Oil, and Alcohol content

• Packaging

• Light Exposure, Storage Temperatures

SHELF LIFE STUDIES

Products suitable for Shelf Life Studies

• Refrigerated Products

• Ambient (room temperature)Products

• Raw Products

• Cooked Products

SHELF LIFE STUDIES

Duration of Shelf Life Studies• The duration of a shelf life

study is dependent on the individual product

• Client may have an anticipated or desired shelf life

• Shelf life studies cannot be open ended, but they can be extended or shortened based on the results

SHELF LIFE STUDIES

Information to Gather• Determine the type of shelf life study you would

like to perform

• How many products will be tested?

• General description or name of products to be evaluated

• Desired storage temperature for duration of study

• Desired or anticipated shelf life (i.e. days, weeks, months)

• Package type and size for each product

• Cooking instructions if applicable

ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING

We are here to help!To order environmental supplies, set up an ABC-R

account, or just ask a question, we are always eager to provide answers. We look forward to

hearing from you!

352.372.0436866.233.5883 Clientservices@abcr.com

www.abcr.com