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. This guide will show food quality assurance professionals the best practices for conducting shelf life studies.

1. Annie Hughes
annieh@abcr.com
Shelf Life Studies:
A Step by Step
Guide

2. 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:

3. 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

4. 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

5. SHELF LIFE STUDIES
Types of Shelf Life Studies
1. MICROBIOLOGICAL
2. ORGANOLEPTIC
3. PHYSICAL / CHEMICAL
4. MICROBIOLOGICAL
ORGANOLEPTIC
PHYSICAL / CHEMICAL

6. SHELF LIFE STUDIES
Types of Shelf Life Studies
MICROBIOLOGICAL
•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**

7. SHELF LIFE STUDIES
Types of Shelf Life Studies
ORGANOLEPTIC
•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

8. SHELF LIFE STUDIES
Types of Shelf Life Studies
PHYSICAL / CHEMICAL
ABC’s full service chemistry lab can analyze for:
•Vitamin and Mineral Content
•Nutritional content
•Oxidation of fats / oils
•Separation characteristics
•Rancidity

9. SHELF LIFE STUDIES
Types of Shelf Life Studies
MICROBIOLOGICAL, 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

10. 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

11. SHELF LIFE STUDIES
Products suitable for Shelf Life Studies
• Refrigerated Products
• Ambient (room
temperature)Products
• Raw Products
• Cooked Products

12. 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

13. 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

14. ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING
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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!
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