Shelf Life Testing That Shows How Long Your Product Stays Safe, Stable, and Saleable
Shelf life testing at Labserve is built for products that cannot afford guesswork on expiry dates, storage claims, or after-opening performance. Our Alberton laboratory combines microbiological analysis, sensory evaluation, and preservative challenge testing to show how your product behaves over time under real conditions.Shelf life testing is not just about counting days on a label; it is about proving when a product starts to change in safety, texture, flavour, aroma, or appearance. Labserve has been performing independent microbiological testing since 1990, with SANAS-accredited methods available for many food-related tests and a laboratory process designed for regulated industries. We work with food, dairy, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, chemical, and allied products, so we understand how different formulations age and where failure points usually appear. If you need shelf life data that can stand up to internal review, customer audits, or product launch decisions, our testing gives you a clear, practical picture of product stability.
What you get
• Evidence for expiry dating
We track the changes that matter most so you can set realistic shelf life dates instead of relying on assumptions or competitor benchmarks.
• Microbiological insight over time
Our testing shows whether spoilage organisms, contamination, or preservative failure could shorten the usable life of your product.
• Sensory and stability evaluation
We can assess organoleptic changes such as taste, smell, texture, and appearance so you know when a product stops meeting quality expectations.
• Support for regulated markets
Our SANAS-accredited laboratory environment helps you generate defensible results for quality teams, retailers, and compliance checks.
How it works
1. We start by reviewing your product type, packaging, storage conditions, and the shelf life question you need answered, so the study is built around the way the product is actually sold and used.2. We prepare the testing plan and sample schedule, then place the product under the relevant conditions while tracking the microbiological, chemical, or sensory markers that matter to stability.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What is shelf life testing used for?A: Shelf life testing measures how a product changes over time so you can determine how long it remains safe, stable, and acceptable to consumers. It is commonly used before launch, after reformulation, or when a product is moving into new packaging or storage conditions.
Q: Does shelf life testing only apply to food products?
A: No, Labserve also supports shelf life testing for dairy, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, chemical, and allied products. Different products age in different ways, so the testing approach is matched to the risks that matter for your formulation.
Q: Can shelf life testing include sensory evaluation?
A: Yes, sensory evaluation can be included when taste, odour, appearance, or texture affect whether the product is still acceptable.
Shelf Life Testing | Labserve SANAS-Accredited Lab Shelf life testing at Labserve is built for products that cannot afford guesswork on expiry dates, storage claims, or after-opening performance. Our Alberton laboratory combines microbiological analysis, sensory evaluation, and preservative challenge testing to show how your product behaves over time under real conditions. That means you get evidence you can use for quality control, compliance, and confident market release.