Shelf Life Extension Tool
ERH for Shelf Life
The function of this calculator is to predict what ERH (Equilibrium Relative
Humidity) or Aw (Water Activity) a product should have in order to achieve a
required Mould-Free Shelf-Life (MFSL) at a given storage temperature. This tool
must be used before any of the other shelf life extension tools. After entering
the product mould free shelf life days required the ERH and Aw are displayed at
4 storage temperatures, 15, 21, 27 and 33 °C
Inhibitor Calculator (Cake Route)
For mould inhibitors sorbic acid or potassium sorbate, the Inhibitor Calculator
(cakes) you can determine the additional mould-free shelf-life using any of the
following methods: Method A - for a specified preservative level. Method B -
for a specified total mould-free shelf life, ppm inhibitor level for addition
to batter is calculated. Method C - for a 50% increase in shelf life, ppm
inhibitor for addition to batter is calculated. The ERH range lies between 80 –
92%
Inhibitor Calculator (Fermented Products)
The calculations for this route are different from those for the cake route.
The mould-free shelf-life (MFSL) achievable is much lower as the ERH for
fermented products is so high and their pH is so low. Up to 3 preservative can
be selected at any one time. The quantities of preservative required for 1, 2
or 3 days extra shelf life can be calculated.
Ethyl Alcohol Calculator
Using the Ethyl Alcohol Extension Calculator you can calculate the increase in
MFSL from the addition of Ethyl alcohol (95% concentration) used at a
percentage of product weight. Ethyl alcohol addition is independent of storage
temperature and is additive. There is no synergy with other preservatives. In
the UK the maximum level of addition before Excise Duty needs to be paid is 2%
on product weight.
Modified Atmosphere Packaging
Carbon dioxide in a gas flushed pack extends the shelf life of the product.
This extension is dependant on the ERH of the product and the Storage
temperature. This tool only has data for storage temperatures of 21 or 27°C and
ERH must lie between 80 and 92. Using this tool you can calculate the
percentage of carbon dioxide required for the pack flushing to give you the
additional days mould free shelf life.
Fermentation Free Shelf Life
You can determine the Fermentation-free shelf-life (FFSL) of a jam product.
This tool can only be used on its own. There are two contamination levels used.
- Moderate (103 ) Yeast count per g - High (104) Yeast count per g
Summary Screen, Printing and Saving
As each tool is used you can save the results to a Summary page. This summary
can be printed or saved. In addition you can print or save the results from any
of the individual calculators in this tool..
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