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Shelf life testing is a critical process for food and beverage brands looking to bring safe, high-quality products to market. Whether you're launching a new product or reformulating an existing one, understanding how long your product stays fresh, safe, and appealing is essential for consumer...

No, monk fruit (Luo Han Guo extract) is not considered added sugar or a sugar alcohol by the FDA. 1. Is Monk Fruit an Added Sugar? No. Monk fruit extract is a high-intensity sweetener with little to no calories and carbohydrates. The FDA does not classify...

Many food entrepreneurs start with a homemade recipe that’s been perfected in their kitchen. However, taking that recipe to market requires much more than just increasing ingredient amounts. To succeed in the food industry, you need a commercial food & beverage formulation that ensures consistency,...

What is Kratom? Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, and its leaves contain alkaloids (like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine) that have stimulant and opioid-like effects. It is commonly used in teas, powders, and capsules for its reported effects on energy, pain relief,...

Vacuum testing is a critical step in ensuring the safety, quality, and longevity of pickled jar products. Whether you’re a food manufacturer or a small-scale producer, understanding the role of vacuum sealing and proper testing can help prevent spoilage, maintain product integrity, and comply with...

👨‍🍳 Employee Hygiene & Food Handling (✅ Daily) ✔️ Employees wash hands before handling ingredients and after breaks, restroom use, or touching non-food surfaces.✔️ Clean uniforms, hairnets, gloves, and closed-toe shoes worn at all times.✔️ Gloves changed frequently, especially when switching tasks (e.g., handling raw ingredients...

1. Moisture Content High Water Activity (Aw): Granola bars should have a low water activity (≤0.60) to prevent mold growth. Ingredients like dried fruit, honey, or syrups can increase water activity if not properly controlled. Improper Drying: If ingredients like oats, nuts, or fruits are...

In the food and beverage industry, moisture management plays a critical role in product stability, quality, and shelf life. Two essential tools for understanding and controlling moisture interactions in food and packaging are the Isotherm Vapor Sorption Analyzer (VSA) units and Water Vapor Transmission Rate...

The Comprehensive Guide to the FDA's Tree Nut List Tree nuts are a common allergen and are regulated as such by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To ensure compliance with food labeling regulations and protect consumers with allergies, it is essential for food manufacturers,...

Shelf Life Validation Study for Raw Pasta Dough Situation A premium pasta manufacturer sought to validate the shelf life of their raw pasta dough to ensure product quality and safety for retail distribution. They aimed to test both the standard formula and a version containing microbial inhibitors...