LFI-BINDER Collaboration Extends Shelf-life Testing Servic
The ability to measure shelf-life accurately is essential for all food manufacturers in order to both ensure safety and quality. Food manufacturers rely on good methodology to accurately estimate the shelf-life and ensure safety. This can be achieved relatively easily for newly developed short shelf-life foods without impacting too much on NPD timelines. However, this is not the case where ambient stable products with long shelf-lives are concerned, where decisions need to be made on the stability and shelf-life of products without the ability to wait for completion of shelf-life tests. In these cases, previous experience together with reliable accelerated tests is invaluable to give a confident assessment of shelf-life before product launch.
LFI has recognised that companies are in real need for accurate methods and therefore shelf-life and accelerated shelf-life testing has been a key area of research for a number of years. Judging from the high number of member-enquiries received by LFI on the topic, it is clear that this subject continues to remain of high importance and one in need of further research. The top 2 research projects chosen by members for 2009 reflect this need (Correlation of sensory and instrumental methods for shelf-life and stability of natural colours). These projects will help LFI to continue to build expertise in this area in order to continue addressing member needs.
Accurate shelf-life and accelerated shelf-life testing requires products to be stored under controlled storage mimicking the conditions experienced during the life-cycle of products. This may require testing under controlled temperature, humidity and light. LFI has offered companies both shelf-life and accelerated testing services for many years. Recently it has strengthened and extended the facilities offered through a partnership with BINDER GmbH, who have been producing climatic chambers for environmental simulation for 25 years. This collaboration, allows LFI to offer a more extensive service to members for both product testing and troubleshooting. For further information please contact Persis Subramaniam psubramaniam@leatherheadfood.com.
Picture:
Dr Paul Berryman - Chief Executive – LFI & Mr Adrian Stanton – Sales Director - BINDER GmbH sharing a picture in front of the BINDER KBF ICH 720, agreeing on the LFI - BINDER Collaboration Shelf-life Testing Service.
