Shelf Life / Stability Studies

Shelf-life testing provides objective measures as to a product’s quality and stability after production. The study results enable manufacturers to determine optimal storage conditions, packing systems and to set expiration and “best by” dates based on microbial, chemical and physical metrics and correlated sensory degradation.

Shelf-life studies can look at the microbial composition of both raw ingredients and the finished product, taking into consideration things like manufacturing methods, conditions, and product packaging. In some cases, accelerated tests can be conducted that simulate the process of real-time shelf-life. Accelerated modeling is an option typically reserved for shelf-life stable products that will not have their shelf-life determined by microbial activity.

Accelerated protocols increase the level of one or more storage factors such as temperature, humidity and light in order to extrapolate for real-time results. Product quality is measured at specific sampling rates via accelerated conditioning chambers. Accelerated protocols can yield results up to four times faster than standard shelf-life testing.

Certified Laboratories is a leading laboratory for shelf-life studies. With 32 laboratories in the U.S. and Canada, our experts support testing for a wide variety of products.

Examples of Types of Shelf-Life Tests:

There are four main areas of shelf-life testing: microbiology, chemical, physical, and organoleptic. The specific area of focus for any shelf-life study will change depending on the probable driver of shelf-life. For example, a low moisture product with relatively high fat and oil composition will focused on chemical and physical testing, whereas a non-sterile, high moisture product would be focused on microbiological spoilage.

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Time-temperature integration

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Accelerated modeling for oxidative rancidity, vitamin degradation, moisture content change, etc.

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Microbial stability studies

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Challenge study testing for pathogens and/or spoilage organisms

Shelf-life Testing Can Determine:

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Mold growth

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Moisture gain/loss

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Vitamin loss

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Color loss

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Adsorption of undesirable flavors

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Oxidative and hydrolytic rancidity

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Microbial driven degradation

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Sensory / Color / Flavor quality changes

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Protein denaturation (toughening)

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Textural changes

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Emulsion breakdown and phase separation

Ready to get started?

Contact Certified Laboratories today to discuss your products and testing needs. We look forward to working with you and showing you why we are the choice for a dedicated testing partner.