V.MFS.0453-Shelf Life Models for Beef & Lamb
The MLA Shelf Life Calculator has now been upgraded to include an accurate prediction of the shelf-life for all Vacuum Skin Packs, OverWrap and Modified Atmospheric Packaging products.
| Project start date: | 11 January 2021 |
| Project end date: | 30 July 2024 |
| Publication date: | 08 May 2024 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Lamb |
| Relevant regions: | International |
|
Download Report
(0.9 MB)
|
|
Summary
The new/existing models within the Calculator were successfully validated using independent data for commercially available products in simulated supply chains. The results indicated that the Calculator provided an accurate prediction of the shelf-life for all VSP, OW and MAP products with and without wet aging, with a deviation ranging between 4–13%. Furthermore, thermoform packs (TP) were included as another retail-ready VP format to further explore the performance of the Calculator. It was found that the Calculator accurately predicts their shelf-life with a deviation of up to 17%, indicating its applicability for TP products.
Objectives
The overall aim of this project was to develop a scientifically rigorous decision-support tool that will enable the Australian red meat industry to optimise and manage the quality of various product types in diverse cold chains.
Key findings
The Shelf-life Calculator for Red Meat (both as an MS ®Excel version and a more user-friendly online version) was successfully developed and validated for VP primals and various retail-ready products (mince and/or steak) in VSP, TP, MAP and OW packs. This Calculator can be readily adopted by the Australian red meat industry as a reliable decision-making tool for supply chain management both within Australia and internationally. The Calculator once adopted will offer a cost-effective approach for better and more flexible management of any given supply chain (e.g. helping to decide on product movement and quality in a supply chain), reducing customer complaints and waste, and increasing business profitability.
Benefits to industry
Ability to input data into MLA Shelf Life Calculator for retail pack formats to establish remaining shelf life available upon arrival at destination.
MLA action
Release version upgrade of MLA Shelf Life Tool to industry.
Future research
A new project proposal is underway to validate a predictive modelling to be incorporated into the MLA Shelf Life Calculator for Wagyu.
More information
| Project manager: | Alicia Waddington |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
| Primary researcher: | University Of Tasmania |
