RT
Real-time study
Recommended storage conditions
The product is stored as it will be sold and tested at intervals until the end of the claimed shelf life. This is the most reliable basis for a date.
Shelf-life testing
Shelf life testing to set and support your best-before date
Our shelf-life studies track microbiology, moisture, rancidity, nutrients and sensory quality over time, so the date on your pack is backed by real data and accepted by FSSAI and buyers.
Shelf-life study
What is shelf-life testing?
Shelf-life testing is a study in which samples of a product are stored under defined conditions and tested at intervals for safety, quality and stability, to determine how long the product stays acceptable and to justify its best-before or use-by date.
Accurate Universal Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. designs and runs shelf-life studies for packaged foods, beverages, dairy, bakery, nutraceuticals and export products. Each study combines microbiological, chemical, physical and sensory tests chosen for how your product is likely to fail.
We run real-time studies at your recommended storage conditions and accelerated studies at higher temperature and humidity to give an earlier estimate during product development.
Launching a new product?
Start your shelf-life study early so your date is ready for launch.
Importance of shelf-life testing
Ensuring product quality, safety and consumer confidence
A best-before date is a promise to the consumer. A properly designed study shows how long your product keeps its safety, taste and nutritional value, and protects you from complaints and recalls.
Testing parameters
What we test during a shelf-life study
Each study is designed around your product. These are the parameters most often tracked at each interval.
- 2study types
- Intervalwise reporting
- Microchemical and sensory
| Test | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Microbiological Stability | Bacteria, yeast and mould must stay within limits throughout the shelf life |
| Moisture Analysis | Moisture gain causes softening, caking and mould growth |
| Nutritional Stability | Vitamins and other declared nutrients can fall over time |
| Sensory Evaluation | Taste, smell, colour and texture decide when consumers reject a product |
| Packaging Stability | Packaging must keep out moisture, oxygen and light |
| Oxidation Testing | Fats and oils go rancid, causing off-flavours |
| Physical & Chemical Stability | pH, acidity, colour and texture changes signal quality loss |
| Storage Condition Assessment | Shelf life depends on temperature and humidity |
Get a quote for your shelf-life study
Tell us the product, pack and claimed shelf life. We'll propose a study plan.
Study types
Real-time and accelerated shelf-life studies
Most products use one or both approaches. We help you choose the right design for your timeline and your claim.
ASL
Accelerated study
Higher temperature and humidity
Storage under harsher conditions speeds up deterioration to give an early estimate, useful during product development. It is usually confirmed by a real-time study.
PK
Packaging comparison
Side-by-side study
The same product in different packs or with different barrier materials, to find the format that lasts longest.
How it works
From study design to shelf-life report in five steps
- Step 1
Share your product details
Product, packaging, storage conditions and the shelf life you want to claim.
- Step 2
Agree the study plan
We propose the study type, intervals and parameters, with a quotation.
- Step 3
Send samples
Supply enough packs from one batch for every test interval.
- Step 4
Interval testing
Samples are stored under controlled conditions and tested at each interval.
- Step 5
Shelf-life report
Interval-wise results and a conclusion to support your date marking.
Industries we serve
Supporting food, beverage and allied industries
Every packaged product needs a date it can stand behind. These are the sectors we support most.
- Food manufacturing companies
- Beverage industry
- Dairy industry
- Bakery & confectionery
- Nutraceutical companies
- Packaged food brands
- Export businesses
- Processed food industry
Not sure which study design you need?
We'll help you choose between real-time and accelerated testing.
FAQs
Shelf-Life Testing: common questions
What is shelf-life testing?
It is a study in which a product is stored under defined conditions and tested at intervals for microbiology, chemistry, physical quality and taste, to find how long it stays safe and acceptable and to justify the best-before or use-by date.
Is shelf-life testing a legal requirement in India?
FSSAI's labelling regulations require pre-packaged foods to carry a best-before or use-by date, and the manufacturer is responsible for that date being correct. A shelf-life study is the evidence that supports it.
How long does shelf-life testing take?
A real-time study lasts at least as long as the shelf life you want to claim, because testing continues to the end of that period. An accelerated study gives an estimate in a shorter time. We confirm the timeline when we design the study.
What is accelerated shelf-life testing?
Accelerated shelf-life testing stores the product at higher temperature or humidity to speed up deterioration, then uses the results to estimate shelf life at normal conditions. It is useful in development and is usually confirmed by a real-time study.
How many samples do I need to send?
Enough packs from a single batch to cover every test interval, plus a few spares. The exact number depends on the study plan and pack size, and we will tell you when we propose the study.
How much does a shelf-life study cost?
The cost depends on the study length, number of intervals and parameters tested. Share your product and target shelf life and we will send an itemised quotation.
Is Accurate Universal Laboratories accredited for this testing?
Yes. Our Ahmedabad laboratory is accredited by NABL to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (certificate TC-5021) and our Rajkot laboratory under certificate TC-7988. The tests and products covered are listed in our scope of accreditation, and we confirm whether your parameters are within scope before testing.
Still have a question about shelf-life testing?
Talk to our team about study design, timelines or results.
Related services
Tests that often go with shelf-life studies
Get a quotation
Looking for a reliable shelf-life study?
Tell us the product, packaging, storage conditions and the shelf life you want to claim. We'll reply with a study plan and an itemised quotation.
- Call us+91 90330 44571
- WhatsAppChat with our team
- Emailinfo@accurateuniversal.com
- Accredited test report
- Clear guidance on the right tests
- Support from our technical team
Standards and regulatory references
Standards and limits change; we confirm the current requirements for your product and market at the time of testing.