Accelerated Shelf-Life Study

Hello everyone. Would like to ask your insights regarding ASL. Currently, we are conducting ASL for the possible extension of the existing products shelf life. The test samples were incubated at 45 C with weekly testing to imitate months shelf of shelf life (1week = 1month).

When testing for its sensory:

1. Should we test the samples (Production Run) vs. control (Laboratory Run), since control should be fresh sample?

2. If so, can we get positive results if both samples tested were not produce in the same manner?

3. Shouldn't we test both samples that were produced in the same manner?

Hoping for your positive response.

Thank you, 

D

Hi D,

I would be testing the ASL production samples against a fresh production sample and a production sample at the end of current life under normal storage conditions.

Kind regards,

Tony

Hi Sir Tony,

Thanks for this!

Is it advisable to store control sample in a chilled temperature to retain its freshness, wouldn't it affect the moisture and aw of the sample?

Also, for ASL sensory using Triangle test, the pattern would be like this (referring to what you have just replied)

1. ASL Sample vs Fresh Samples

2. ASL Sample vs Sample under normal conditions

So it will have to undergo 2 sets of tests against my ASL Sample.

Is my understanding right?

Hoping for your positive feedback on this.

Thank you,

D

Hi D,

Your samples for normal end of life testing should be stored under the normal/prescribed storage conditions (basically conditions that replicate how your product is stored in the marketplace) and as per the instructions on your product label.

I would be comparing all 3 samples at the same time rather than 2 different comparisons.

Kind regards,

Tony

Hi, when we used to put samples for accelerated shelflife testing, we prepare the master batch sample (production sample is more preferable if you have reached the production run stage in your product development otherwise lab scale sample is ok) and divide it in two sets of samples, one set of samples for incubation and other samples on room temperature or ambient temperature as control sample (as mentioned by Tony). Also, together with incubation effect we also give light effect as our stability chamber had built-in lights in it. 

Hi again!

How 'bout for the sensory evaluation of the samples? What test do you usually used for the sensory? Is it triangle, duo-trio, or the difference from the control? following a hedonic scale for the preference?

Thanks a lot!

D

Hi. as here you want to check the changes (physiochemical, sensory, micro) occur in the sample as compare to the control, so "difference from the control" with hedonic scale, would be the right way to check it.