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INGREDIENTS

Understanding Shelf Life and Stability in Food Products

Dr. Erdogan Ceylan
Aug 18, 2025
INGREDIENTS LABELING REGULATORY SENSORY RESEARCH PROJECTS Shelf-Life

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Shelf life is defined as the period during which a food product remains safe and acceptable for consumption under specified storage conditions. Determining shelf life is a foundational step in product development, ensuring that safety, quality, and sensory attributes are maintained throughout a product’s intended use.

In this session from the Solutions Showcase at IFT FIRST 2025, Anza Bester, Senior Director, Global Key Accounts, and Erdogan Ceylan, Director- Scientific Affairs, Global Key Accounts, explored the scientific and practical considerations involved in shelf-life determination. They covered how microbial spoilage, chemical degradation, and organoleptic changes impact product stability—and why each product requires a customized approach based on its unique formulation and processing parameters. The presentation also covered durability studies, which assess the potential for microbial growth or survival under real-world storage conditions.

Key variables such as ingredient quality, water activity, packaging materials, temperature control, and sanitation practices all influence shelf life. Even minor changes in formulation or processing can affect product stability, making periodic verification essential. The session also addressed regulatory expectations and best practices for reproducibility and validation of shelf-life studies.

Whether you're launching a new product or reformulating an existing one, this session will provide actionable insights into designing robust shelf-life protocols that align with consumer expectations and regulatory standards.

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