SHELF LIFE TESTING

Shelf‑life studies are a critical component of a comprehensive food safety and quality program. Catalyst Food Sciences conducts controlled, data‑driven evaluations designed to characterize microbial stability, sensory performance, and physicochemical changes over time. These studies support regulatory compliance, product development, and risk‑based decision‑making for manufacturers across a wide range of food categories.

Purpose of Shelf‑Life Studies

Shelf‑life evaluations provide essential insight into how a product behaves throughout its intended storage period. Our studies help determine:

  • Microbial growth dynamics

  • Spoilage progression

  • Sensory quality changes

  • Physicochemical shifts (pH, water activity, moisture)

  • Product performance under expected and abusive conditions

  • Regulatory classification and labeling requirements

Microbial Stability Testing

Microbial analyses are performed at defined intervals to monitor changes in:

  • Aerobic Plate Count (APC)

  • Yeast & Mold

  • Enterobacteriaceae

  • Coliforms / E. coli

  • Pathogens of concern (when applicable)

All testing is conducted using validated, ISO‑aligned methods to ensure analytical accuracy and regulatory defensibility.

Physicochemical Monitoring

Key parameters are measured throughout the study to evaluate product stability:

  • pH — influences microbial growth and regulatory classification

  • Water activity (aw) — predicts spoilage and pathogen growth potential

  • Moisture content — affects texture, separation, and microbial load

  • Other matrix‑specific attributes, as required

Tracking these values provides insight into formulation robustness and shelf‑life limiting factors.

Sensory Evaluation

Sensory assessments are performed to evaluate:

  • Appearance

  • Odor

  • Texture

  • Overall acceptability

These evaluations help determine the point at which quality degradation becomes noticeable to consumers.

Accelerated Shelf‑Life Studies

Accelerated studies simulate extended storage conditions in a shorter timeframe by applying:

  • Elevated temperatures

  • Controlled humidity

  • Time‑temperature abuse scenarios

These models provide predictive insight into long‑term stability and are especially useful during product development.

Challenge Studies

For products requiring validation of pathogen control strategies, Catalyst Food Sciences offers inoculated challenge studies to evaluate:

  • Growth/no‑growth behavior

  • Inhibition effectiveness

  • Lethality and process validation

  • Compliance with regulatory expectations

Challenge studies are designed according to organism, product matrix, and intended storage conditions.

Data Interpretation & Technical Consultation

Our scientific team provides expert guidance to help manufacturers:

  • Interpret microbial and physicochemical trends

  • Identify shelf‑life limiting factors

  • Optimize formulation and processing parameters

  • Establish defensible shelf‑life claims

  • Prepare for regulatory review and audits

We deliver clear, actionable reports that support both technical and regulatory decision‑making.

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