TestsStorage testsBadania

The GBA POLSKA laboratory has at its disposal climatic chambers allowing stability tests to be conducted under controlled, set conditions.

The implementation of accelerated storage tests is based on the application of van ‘t Hoff’s rule, which describes the change in reaction rate depending on the change in temperature.

It is used to verify the shelf life of foodstuffs and feedstuffs that are stored in climate chambers under defined conditions of temperature and humidity. The most commonly used conditions are a temperature of 40 degrees C and a humidity of 75%.

Shelf life is the period of time during which a product must:

• be safe,
• retain its organoleptic characteristics,
• meet the requirements specified in relation to the content of declared nutrients.

Due to the variety and complexity of products, no single scheme can be adopted for accelerated storage testing. The range of analyses is selected on a project-by-project basis. The storage conditions should reproduce those most adversely affecting the product during its life. We must also take into account a safety margin (extension of the assumed storage time) to reduce the risk associated with possible deviations of standard storage conditions outside the production area and differences occurring between production batches.

However, it should be borne in mind that there are products for which accelerated testing will not be applicable. These include: products requiring refrigerated storage; foodstuffs whose consistency will be affected by elevated temperatures, products subject to deformation, dissolution such as: chocolates, fudge, soft mass products, jellies in sugar.