5 Questions with Kaylee Doran, Marketing Specialist, Nestlé Quality Assurance Center (NQAC)

1. What is a shelf-life study?

A shelf-life study is conducted to determine the point at which a food product is no longer safe for consumption and when its quality, nutritional value and sensory attributes decline. These tests may involve microbiological, chemical and sensory analyses. The results of the study help establish the “best by” or expiration date for a product, indicating when it may no longer meet consumer expectations.

2. Is labeling with a “Best if Used By/Before” or expiration date required?

Food waste is a major issue in the U.S., and date labels often confuse consumers. The FDA provides guidance on writing date labels to help reduce confusion. Federal regulations don’t require product dating, except for infant formula. The “Use-By” date on infant formula is an expiration date and should not be exceeded. Date labels like “Best if Used By/Before” indicate quality, not safety.

3. Why/when do I need to conduct a shelf-life study?

Shelf-life studies are crucial in the food industry to maintain product quality, safety and nutritional value during the intended shelf life. Any alterations in raw material content or ratio, formulation, processing steps or packaging can influence the shelf-life of the product, making it necessary to assess its stability and determine a date label.

4. What if I need to launch a new product as quickly as possible?

Accelerated studies are used to quickly launch new products by storing them at higher temperatures and humidity levels, revealing potential sensory and chemical issues sooner. However, it is not recommended for microbiological testing due to potential alterations in microorganism growth. This data can estimate shelf life under normal conditions, but a real-time study is necessary to validate results from the accelerated study.

5. How can NQAC Dublin help with shelf-life studies?

Our experts can customize the study to meet your specific project requirements, whether you need a real-time or accelerated study. We have a range of controlled environments and analyses available to address the individual needs of your product. By partnering with us, you can obtain reliable data about your product’s shelf life throughout its intended storage period.