Shelf Life & Storage (2024)

FAQs

What is shelf life and storage life? ›

Shelf life is defined as the length of time a product may be stored without becoming unsuitable for use or consumption. Shelf life depends on the degradation mechanism of the specific product.

Shelf life is often specified in conjunction with a specific product, package, and distribution system. For example, an MRE field ration is designed to have a shelf life of three years at 80 °F (27 °C) and six months at 100 °F (38 °C).

The shelf-life of a product is the time that it remains acceptable to eat. Within the shelf-life, the product will remain safe and retain the desired sensory, chemical, physical and microbiological characteristics.

The minimum shelf life indicates how long the product retains its function and structure when stored correctly. However, this is not in regard to a product's expiration date. A product can therefore easily be used without any hazardous effects after this period has come to an end.

Type I are non-extendable: They have a finite period of SL or a specific point in time that they reach their date of expiration (date they must be processed for disposal). Type II items can be extended if they've been kept in optimum storage and pass either visual inspection or testing.

Also called storage life.

The Facts. FACT: Shelf Life does NOT mean expiration date. FACT: A standard's expiration date should never exceed 1 year. FACT: A standard's expiration date and shelf life are two entirely different entities.

: the period of time during which a material may be stored and remain suitable for use. broadly : the period of time during which something lasts or remains popular.

What are "shelf life" items? Shelf life items are products that are effective, useful or suitable for consumption for a limited time period. They are expected to deteriorate or become unstable to the degree that a storage period must be assigned to assure that the material will perform satisfactorily in service.

What is the shelf life of a product? ›

A product's “shelf life” generally means the length of time you can expect a product to look and act as expected and to stay safe for use. This length of time varies, depending on the type of product, how it is used, and how it is stored.

Shelf-life is the period of time during which a food maintains its acceptable or desirable characteristics under specified storage and handling conditions. These acceptable or desirable characteristics can be related to the safety or quality of the product and can be microbiological, chemical or physical in nature.

The policies have exceeded their shelf life. It had a six-month shelf life. Blood has a limited shelf life.

The term "shelf life" of a drug slightly differs from a drug's "expiration date." The shelf life generally relates to a drug's quality over a specified period of time, whereas the expiration date relates to both quality and safety of a medication at a specific point in time.

Lifetime is first date of use until the product stops working (due to age, wear & tear, etc.). Lifecycle is Shelf life + Lifetime. Expiration Date is the date the product stops working.

The length of time for which an item of supply, including explosives, given specific storage conditions, may be expected to remain serviceable and, if relevant, safe. See also shelf life. Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. US Department of Defense 2005.

The term "shelf life" of a drug slightly differs from a drug's "expiration date." The shelf life generally relates to a drug's quality over a specified period of time, whereas the expiration date relates to both quality and safety of a medication at a specific point in time.