The shelf life of a product is the period during which it remains acceptable and desirable to consumers. It defines how far the product can be distributed, how it should be stored, and which best-before date can be assigned. If the actual shelf life does not meet expectations, the result can be customer complaints, product…
A THOUSAND YEARS OF MAINTAINING SPICE QUALITY THROUGH WATER ACTIVITY CONTROL INTRODUCTION Spices have played a defining role in human history, shaping global cuisine, trade, and cultural exchange for thousands of years. From ancient caravans crossing the Silk Road to the vast maritime routes forged during the Age of Exploration, spices such as pepper, cinnamon,…
The international coffee market is valued at $102 billion. It includes everything from freeze dried instant coffee to specialty blends carefully sourced from specific growing locations. Not surprisingly, the highest quality coffee comes at the highest price along with the highest quality expectations. Coffee beans are harvested as a coffee cherry that is then processed…
Seafood in its various forms is considered a delicacy by many around the world as well as serving as a food staple for many coastal regions. Unfortunately, fresh seafood is not shelf-stable due to its high water activity and long term storage requires either freezing or controlling the water activity through drying, smoking or salting….
With the legalization of cannabis-based products for medicinal and, in some regions, recreational use, the need to implement safety initiatives has emerged. Microbial contamination in either dried buds, extracted oils, or processed edibles can result in allergic reactions, respiratory complications, or foodborne illnesses. In addition, breakdown due to chemical reactions can result in changes in…
The wine industry is a vast and dynamic global market, encompassing everything from small, family- owned vineyards to large multinational corporations. As of recent years, the industry has been valued at over $300 billion, with key production regions including France, Italy, Spain, the United States, and Australia. Wine production involves a complex supply chain, from…
Like food products, tobacco products are vulnerable to quality and safety issues and therefore require welldesigned product safety programs. Water activity plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and quality of intermediate- and low-moisture foods, and it offers the same protective benefits for tobacco products. Given the wide variety of tobacco products available, each…
Pet food production is one of the fastest growing industries worldwide valued at $91 billion dollars in 2018 (1). Gone are the days of feeding your pet scraps from the table; pet food today is carefully formulated to provide healthy diets, avoid allergies, and provide variety. With the increasing value of pet food comes increased…
The baked snack industry is a constantly growing market valued at $440 billion. These products typically cover a range of textures, colors, and flavors, and it is critical that they remain safe while maintaining their expected texture and sensory properties. One of the most important factors influencing the quality and shelf life of bakery products…
