By using our site, you agree to our. For refrigerated products, higher-than-optimal temperature storage can accelerate microbial growth. The low water activity of a product such as rice makes it an inherently shelf-stable food, for example. Re-wrap packages with small leaks in freezer paper to be safe and avoid contamination. Sign up is free and easy! The end point can be indicated from relevant food legislation, guidelines provided by government or professional organizations, or the use of acceptable industry practices. For example, moisture absorption for a cracker will affect the crispness of the product and a moisture barrier is required. Often acceptability limits are chosen based on self-determined end points. Fresh or perishable foods have an inherently shorter shelf life than shelf-stable foods. This can also be used to determine the shelf life of a product prior to purchase. It's important to understand the terminology and wording on food labels and packaging to figure out the shelf life of foods. Much of the time the cans a food comes in will have a packing date, a best used by date, or a code. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 25,557 times. Is there a standard shelf life for jams and marmalades? Sugar substitute can break down and slowly turn bitter. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Fresh meats usually only last in the refrigerator for 1 or 2 days, but can last for a few months in the freezer. ABOUT US. Please enter your email address. This date is usually near the bar code or nutritional information label on the packaging. sterilization) microbes and extend the shelf life of the product. SHELF LIFE CALCULATOR; Shelf Life Start Date * Today's Date * Expiration Date * Enter all three dates to the left to see the remaining shelf life. Once the package is opened, the shelf-life date assigned by the food manufacturer is no longer applicable. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Meat that is discolored should be discarded. Packaging. Shelf life touches on all the issues mentioned, and shelf-life determination is an essential requirement in providing safe, quality food products to consumers. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/Check-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/Check-Step-1.jpg\/aid1327534-v4-728px-Check-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":283,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"448","licensing":"