Shelf Life Testing
The Shelf Life of a perishable product is the length of time that it may be stored without becoming unfit for consumption. When a product shows signs of deterioration, then the product is no longer fit for sale and that point is determined to be its shelf life. Best before dates are affected by a variety of factors and need to be rigorously assessed under laboratory conditions. Capella Innovation is able to provide you with shelf life testing (microbiology, color, appearance etc.) for a wide variety of products.
Shelf life is a product of physical, microbiological and chemical processes, triggered by any one of a multitude of contributing factors. Product characteristics, including the quality and consistency of ingredients, the moisture content and acidity levels, all play a part, as do external factors like storage, transport and packaging materials.
Given the complexity of factors contributing to the shelf life of food, our experts can offer a service which is appropriate to the composition of your products, storage and packaging.
Our laboratories use the latest shelf life testing methods and technology , Therefore, you can be sure of a high quality, cost effective service which delivers accurate shelf life test results that will help to demonstrate compliance with statutory requirements.
By performing shelf life analyses, you can define accurate dates for your products, ensuring that the quality remains acceptable and safe for consumers. Just some of the analyses our specialists can carry out include tests for:
- Food-borne micro-organisms such as Listeria, Salmonella, Campylobacter, E.Coli, Yeasts and Moulds, Staphylococcus Aureus, Bacillus Cereus, Lactic Acid Bacteria
- Total viable count
- Enterobacteriaceae
- Moisture content
- Acidity levels
- Ph
- Water activity
- Fat rancidity
Accurate and reliable shelf life testing will reduce the risk of product recalls and identifying the causes of reduced shelf life will help you to improve your products, processes and ultimately your profitability.