Food Shelf-life Models

A new approach in commercial life studies is clearly emerging in the most advanced scientific literature. It is proposed to combine the shelf-life assessment with the environmental impact inventory data and the analysis of food losses to support adequate environmental strategies. Undoubtedly, to conduct this type of studies, it is essential to have a thorough knowledge of how to face and manage a shelf life study, as well as to know the different factors that influence the shelf life of any product. In this chapter we have tried to propose general schemes and procedures useful for the planning and management of shelf-life studies, with particular attention to mathematical models that can help in its forecast and the most significant and most recent results in this field.