An accelerated shelf-life test measures product change under defined laboratory conditions. Read the result with the tested product, packaging, method and storage conditions; it does not by itself predict the real life of every shipment.
Request the test file from the supplier. Check product and packaging description, test conditions, quality or safety criteria monitored, sampling plan and assumptions used to translate results into a shelf-life claim. Do not assume equivalence if your product or pack differs.
Compare your chain's time and temperature records with the test conditions. This comparison shows where conditions differ; it does not automatically produce a new use-by date from a laboratory result.
If there is a temperature excursion or suspected freezing, segregate the product, preserve raw records and obtain an authorised product-specific quality decision. Staff should not change remaining days unless the laboratory or product owner has assessed the case.
To validate your operation, agree a written plan with the supplier or food-safety specialist. Include the real shipment profile and acceptance criteria.
