Safe Journey of Food: Shelf Life Studies

Why is Shelf Life Analysis Important?

The Safe Journey of Food: Why Are Shelf Life Studies Important?

Today's consumers want products that are not only tasty, but also safe and fresh. The “use-by date” or “best before date” found on the packaging of every product we see on supermarket shelves is actually the result of a comprehensive scientific process. We call this process shelf life studies.

So, what is shelf life? Why are these analyses so important? Let's take a closer look.

What is Shelf Life?

Shelf life refers to the period during which a food product can be safely consumed from the moment it is produced. During this period, the product must remain suitable for consumption in terms of nutritional value, microbiological safety, physical structure, and sensory characteristics.

How are shelf life analyses performed?

When determining shelf life, the product is stored under specific conditions and subjected to analyses at different time intervals. These include microbiological, chemical, physical, and sensory studies. Is the product resistant to the growth of harmful microorganisms over time? Microbiological tests are particularly critical for dairy products, meat, and ready-to-eat meals. Microorganisms such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and E. coli are frequently checked. Chemical analyses track chemical changes in the food's structure over time, such as oxidation, pH changes, moisture content, and acidity. For example, the peroxide value in vegetable oils is measured through this analysis. These are performed by panelists or trained analysis experts. Properties such as packaging durability, product fluidity, and tendency to break down are also checked through physical analysis.

Accelerated Shelf Life Tests In some cases, long waiting periods may not be economically viable. In such cases, the product is tested under extreme conditions such as high temperature and humidity. These tests show how the product reacts over time in an accelerated manner. However, accelerated test results may not always correspond exactly to real conditions. Therefore, careful evaluation is required.

The Science Behind the Shelves

Shelf life studies are an invisible but vital part of food safety. A product's shelf life is not just a date; it is backed by a rigorous laboratory process, scientific evaluations, and expert labor. As specialized food control laboratories, we work to protect consumer health and support producers in meeting their legal obligations. Food safety begins with science; shelf life is where that science meets the consumer.

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