CDR offers testing for quality shelf life of dairy products. This will determine how long a product will last during storage before the sensory characteristics degrade beyond acceptability. Samples are stored in controlled climate chambers that hold samples at a pre-determined temperature and, if needed, humidity setting. For shelf stable (non refrigerated) product, accelerated studies can also be conducted in a chamber with increased heat and/or humidity. Studies will determine both how long a product will last, as well as what the expected mode of failure will be for consumers.
CDR does not offer any shelf life testing related to food safety, such as challenge studies. But we can help connect you to other resources on the UW campus to help, such as the Food Research Institute.
Potential Applications
- Determine shelf life of brand new products
- Validate shelf life of existing products that were never previously tested
- Investigate potentially extending the shelf life of an established product
- Evaluate various types of packaging for best preserving product quality
Types of Questions / Methods
- Difference from control using expert screeners
- Difference from control using trained panelists
- Triangle testing or other alternative methods may be employed
Benefits of this type of testing
- Make informed decisions on how long product may be stored prior to sale and consumption
- Accelerated testing can help launch a product faster
- Determine what the mode of failure is in a product