How do you assess your food product's quality over time?

2 Chemical analysis

Chemical analysis is the process of using analytical instruments or methods to measure the composition and properties of a food product, such as moisture, fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, color, pH, and acidity. Chemical analysis can help you to determine the nutritional value, quality indicators, and safety parameters of your food product, and to detect any adulteration, contamination, or deterioration over time.

3 Physical analysis

Physical analysis is the process of using physical instruments or methods to measure the structure and behavior of a food product, such as texture, viscosity, density, water activity, porosity, and permeability. Physical analysis can help you to evaluate the functional properties, stability, and performance of your food product, and to understand how it interacts with the environment and the packaging over time.

4 Microbiological analysis

Microbiological analysis is the process of using microbiological instruments or methods to identify and quantify the microorganisms present in a food product, such as bacteria, yeasts, molds, and viruses. Microbiological analysis can help you to ensure the safety, hygiene, and shelf life of your food product, and to prevent any spoilage, infection, or toxin formation over time.

5 Statistical analysis

Statistical analysis is the process of using mathematical tools or methods to summarize, interpret, and communicate the data obtained from the other analyses. Statistical analysis can help you to compare the results from different samples, treatments, or conditions, and to identify the significant differences, trends, or correlations. Statistical analysis can also help you to estimate the uncertainty, variability, and reliability of your data, and to validate your methods and conclusions.

6 Quality control

Quality control is the process of using the results from the previous analyses to monitor and verify that your food product meets the specifications, standards, and expectations of quality. Quality control can help you to identify and correct any deviations, defects, or errors in your food product, and to prevent any customer complaints, recalls, or losses. Quality control can also help you to improve your production processes, optimize your resources, and enhance your reputation and competitiveness.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?