Shelf life
Shelf life
Shelf life (/ʃɛlf laɪf/) is a term used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics, to describe the period of time during which a product remains usable, fit for consumption, or saleable.
Etymology
The term "shelf life" is a combination of the words "shelf" and "life", which literally means the length of time a product may be stored without becoming unfit for use or consumption. The term is believed to have originated in the early 20th century.
Definition
Shelf life is the recommended maximum time for which products or goods can be stored, during which the defined quality of a specified proportion of the goods remains acceptable under expected (or specified) conditions of distribution, storage and display.
Factors affecting shelf life
Several factors can affect the shelf life of a product, including exposure to light, temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors. In the food industry, factors such as microbial growth, oxidation, and moisture loss can significantly reduce the shelf life of a product. In the pharmaceutical industry, chemical stability and microbial contamination are major factors that can affect the shelf life of drugs.
Related terms
- Expiration date: The date after which a product is not guaranteed to remain safe or effective and should not be used or consumed.
- Best before date: The date by which a food product is best consumed for optimal quality.
- Use by date: The last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Shelf life
- Wikipedia's article - Shelf life
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