Working out shelf life testing regimes can be tricky at times. We are trying to introduce a little simplification and automation using the form below. To begin with, it will just ask questions and we will answer manually over the phone where we can, but with time we will code in automatic answers.

We’ll never be able to fully automate this process, but this might give you a head start.

First things first though. Do you need a best Before Date, or a Use By Date. Most products have a best before date, useby dates are pretty rare and actually quite difficult to find in a supermarket. Even then, they’re often shown by mistake. Its a very important question to get right though.

Working out shelf life testing regimes can be tricky at times. We are trying to introduce a little simplification and automation using the form below. To begin with, it will just ask questions and we will answer manually over the phone where we can, but with time we will code in automatic answers.

We’ll never be able to fully automate this process, but this might give you a head start.

Predictive Modelling

Challenge Testing

Accelerated Shelf Life Testing

Did you know?

Food with a ‘best-before’ date can legally be sold past its ‘best-before’ date, provided that the safety and suitability of the food is maintained. Date marks (as with all label information) cannot be changed without the permission of the relevant authority [ source: MPI]

Why you shouldn’t just copy someone else…

You might kill or poison someone. That’s the short answer. Here’s the longer answer.

Shelf life and food science is an extremely complicated topic…. You need to consider both the intrinsic and extrinsic properties of the food. Sometimes the intrinsic properties can be measured, but you usually can’t figure out the extrinsic properties. For instance, you can check the pH of the mayonnaise you are copying, or the modified atmosphere of the pack you are investigating, but you can’t check the pasteurisation temperature of the egg yolk. You cannot tell how quickly the product has been cooked or cooled, or to what temperature targets.

Importing Food and Want to Change the Date?

Don’t unless you get MPI involved.

Need Help?

We are a small company and can’t always find the time to help. What we often do is put you in touch with an industry professional who is able to help you through this process.

Are you an industry professional? Do you have a food technology or food science degree and experience in shelf life determination. If so, we are always on the lookout for reliable subcontractors who can help with clients needs.

Shelf Life Lab Results Interpretation Calculator

Enter your test results below to get an indication of whether or not they are suitable. Please note, this function remains a work in progress.