Question

(a)   Describe shelf-life determination by direct method.
(b)   Describe shelf-life calculation by indirect method of accelerated tests
(c)   Mention seven measures to be considered for shelf-life determination.

Answer 1

Answer:-

a). Shelf-life is the defined as the time till which the average product remains within an approval manufacturing specification. The two methods of self-life determination are direct and indirect method.

Direct method of self determination are most commonly used for estimating the self life of food. Direct self-life determination method is the estimation of real time that involves the storage of the product or food under conditions which are similar to the condition product will actually face and is monitered in certain regular interval of times. This method gives accurate estimation.

b). Self-life determination by indirect method of accelerated test involves the shortening of trial period by simultaneously increasing the deterioration rate. This pricess is done mainly by increasing the temperature of storage.

Formula:- Q10 = (R2/R1)^(10/T2-T1)

where Q10 - temperature coefficient

R- rate of reaction

T- respective temperature .

c). Measure taken for self life determination are:-

• defining objective

• identification of mode of deterioration

• selection of method to be used

• defining and setting of storage conditions

• performing the study of self-life

• analyzing and discussion of result

• monitoring and confirmation of self life.