Shelf-life Testing

Shelf-life testing is needed for products stocked in shops to determine their expiration date like these

Shelf-life Testing

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What Is Shelf-Life Testing?

Shelf-life testing determines how long a food product can be stored under specific conditions before it becomes unsafe or unacceptably degraded in quality. This includes testing for physical, chemical and microbiological changes that can occur over time and affect the safety and quality of the product.

Shelf-life is measured across several parameters:

  • pH
  • Moisture content
  • Colour, texture and flavour
  • Presence of microorganisms

Shelf-life testing is essential for food manufacturers, distributors and retailers. It confirms how long a product can be stored and sold before it should be discarded, helps determine the appropriate storage conditions, and supports the expiration date printed on the product packaging.

Why Perform Shelf-Life Testing

A ‘best-before’ date refers to food quality (appearance, smell and taste) rather than safety. A ‘use-by’ date applies when foodstuffs are highly perishable and could pose a health risk after a short period, for example most chilled foods such as yoghurt, milk and meat.

While manufacturers are responsible for determining an accurate shelf-life, our microbiologists monitor fluctuations in indicator organisms to help set a safe level and bring products to market with confidence.

Performing shelf-life testing helps you to:

  1. Determine the appropriate storage conditions by testing for physical, chemical and microbiological changes.
  2. Improve product shelf-life by identifying potential issues early and reducing waste.
  3. Build consumer confidence by providing accurate expiration dates.
  4. Comply with regulations such as FSAI and HACCP requirements.

Who is Shelf-Life Testing Recommended For?

Shelf-life testing is recommended for a variety of organisations and individuals, including:

  1. Food manufacturers: Food manufacturers ensure that their products are safe and of high quality for the entire product shelf-life. Shelf-life testing helps manufacturers determine how long their products can be stored and sold before they should be discarded.
  2. Distributors: Distributors use shelf-life testing to determine the appropriate storage conditions for food products and ensure that they are still safe and high-quality when they reach the consumer.
  3. Retailers: Retailers use shelf-life testing to confirm that the food products they sell are safe for consumption and high-quality throughout the entire shelf-life of the product.
  4. Government agencies: Government agencies, such as the FSAI and HACCP, use this test to monitor compliance with regulations and ensure the safety and quality of food products.
  5. Food service providers: Restaurants, caterers, and other food service providers use this test to ensure the safety and quality of the food they serve to customers.

What's The Process For Shelf-Life Testing?

We Can Do It For You In 3 Easy Steps – Simple. Clear. Accurate:

  • Simple – order the test you need, and we will post your testing kit to you
  • Clear – follow the instructions, collect the sample and post it back to us the same day for next-day delivery
  • Accurate – easy-to-understand results will be sent to you by email

What’s Included In This Test 

The following is a list of some of the parameters we test for as part of our INAB-accredited laboratory (ISO 17025, Reg. 194T):

  • Salmonella
  • Listeria
  • Staphylococcus
  • Enterobacteriaceae
  • E.coli
  • TVCs
  • Yeast
  • Mould

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a use-by date and a best-before date?
A use-by date relates to food safety and applies to perishable foods that could become dangerous after a certain point. A best-before date relates to quality, such as taste and appearance, rather than safety.

What does shelf-life testing check for?
Our shelf-life testing covers microbiological parameters including Salmonella, Listeria, Staphylococcus, Enterobacteriaceae, E. coli, TVCs, yeast and mould, alongside physical and chemical changes such as pH, moisture, colour and texture.

Who needs shelf-life testing?
Food manufacturers, distributors, retailers and food service providers all use shelf-life testing to confirm their products remain safe and high quality throughout their intended storage period.

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