Shelf Life Tests and Safety in Packaged Foods

Shelf Life Tests in Packaged Foods: Ways to Provide Safe Products to Consumers

In the food industry, shelf life testing is vital to maintain the safety and quality of packaged products. These tests give confidence not only to the manufacturer but also to the consumer. So, what are shelf life tests? How are they performed? And why is it so important?

What is Shelf Life?

Shelf life refers to the period of time that a food product can be safely offered to the consumer from the date of production. This period is directly related to the physical, chemical, microbiological and sensory properties of the product remaining at acceptable levels.

Why are Shelf Life Tests Performed?

Consumer Safety: Spoiled food can pose health risks. Shelf life tests help to identify these risks in advance.
Legal Compliance: Food legislation requires shelf life labeling to be based on scientific data.
Quality Assurance: Maintaining the quality of products is critical for brand image and customer satisfaction.

Tests Used to Determine Shelf Life

1. Microbiological Analysis

Microorganisms such as bacteria, mold and yeast that can cause food spoilage are monitored. Different analysis methods are applied according to the food type.

2. Sensory Evaluation

Criteria affecting consumer perception such as color, smell, taste and texture are evaluated by expert panels.

3. Chemical Tests

Chemical parameters such as pH, water activity, oxidation level are measured to analyze product stability.

4. Physical Tests

The robustness and tightness of the packaging and its capacity to protect the product from external factors are checked.

Factors Affecting Shelf Life

Packaging Type and Material
Storage Conditions (temperature, humidity, light)
Product Content (preservatives, moisture content, etc.)

Accelerated Shelf Life Tests

For some products, accelerated stability tests are applied to predict shelf life without waiting for natural processes. In these tests, the product is exposed to stress conditions such as high temperature and humidity and deterioration tendencies are observed.

Nanolab offers comprehensive shelf life tests for packaged foods with its expert staff and state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure. Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Food Analysis. You can also consult us on Packaging Analysis.

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