Shelf-Life Analyzer for Dairy Products

Analizzatore Shelf-Life Prodotti Lattiero-Caseari

Stima la durata di conservazione di un prodotto lattiero-caseario in base ai parametri di temperatura, pH e confezionamento.

The Dairy Product Shelf-Life Analyzer app estimates the shelf life of milk, yogurt, fresh and aged cheeses by assessing the key parameters that influence microbiological and sensory stability: storage temperature, pH, and type of packaging.
It allows for the prediction of the estimated expiration date based on the production date, improving production planning and quality management.

Main Features

  • Estimation of shelf life in days.
  • Automatic calculation of the estimated expiration date.
  • Qualitative assessment of product stability.
  • Corrective factors for temperature, pH, and packaging.
  • Support for milk, yogurt, fresh, and aged cheeses.

How It Works

  1. Select the dairy product type.
  2. Enter the storage temperature (°C).
  3. Indicate the average pH of the product.
  4. Choose the type of packaging.
  5. Enter the production date.
  6. The app calculates:
    • the estimated shelf life (days);
    • the predicted expiration date;
    • a qualitative assessment on storage conditions.

Reference Examples

ProductAverage Shelf Life (at 4°C)Average pHNotes
Pasteurized Milk7 days6.6High perishability
Yogurt21 days4.4Good acid stability
Fresh Cheese15 days5.3Sensitive to heat
Aged Cheese90 days5.6High stability

Practical Example

  • Product: yogurt
  • Temperature: 6 °C
  • pH: 4.4
  • Packaging: ATM
  • Production: 01/10/2025

Result:

  • Estimated shelf life: 25 days
  • Expected expiration date: 26/10/2025
  • Assessment: Excellent product stability – favorable storage conditions.

Benefits

  • Quick and consistent evaluation.
  • Support for quality control and HACCP.
  • Compatible with mobile devices and PCs.
  • Useful for preliminary estimates and comparative analysis.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this calculation valid for all types of cheeses and yogurts?
Yes, but it represents a theoretical estimate; official results require microbiological and sensory testing.

2. Does temperature significantly affect shelf life?
Yes. Every degree above 4°C reduces the average duration by 10%.

3. What does ATM or vacuum packaging mean?
These are systems that limit oxidation and microbial growth, extending the product’s lifespan.

4. Can I use this app for raw milk?
No, raw milk is not considered stable and does not have a shelf life, but a very short useful life (hours).

5. Is it possible to add moisture or water activity (aw) as well?
Yes, I can expand the app to include aw parameters and residual moisture, improving the accuracy of the calculation.