Shelf-life Study & Stability Testing

Shelf-life Study & Stability Testing

Expiry date and manufacturing date are two things that every consumer checks before purchasing a product. This date helps decide the safe usability of products while ensuring regulatory compliance. Shelf-life study also helps determine degradation, microbial growth, and packaging failure aiding product recall at the right time. This not only helps in cutting production costs but also reinforces brand credibility.


At ITC Labs, we believe that product stability is a promise and a mark of efficacy and integrity. With NABL-accredited laboratories in Panchkula and Chennai and collection centres across India, we offer all-encompassing shelf-life studies and stability testing. Our decades-long industry expertise made us one of the leading analytical testing laboratories for food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, nutraceuticals and

Our Testing Capabilities

With a team of scientists and analysts experienced in shelf-life studies, we design our analysis based on the product’s matrix, storage conditions, and intended market. Our testing protocols comply with national and international standards including FSSAI, ICH, EU, and USP.

Real-Time Shelf-Life Studies

Real-time shelf-life study is most suitably used for regulatory submissions and export documentation. For this, we simulate actual storage conditions from ambient to refrigerated to frozen. The samples will be taken out at given intervals throughout the life cycle to analyse the changes happening. The data will be further used to understand the ideal duration during which the product remains stable.

Accelerated Shelf-Life Studies

It is ideal for the go-to-market strategy or early-stage assessment as it gets the result in a shorter duration. For this study, the products are kept in specialised chambers with elevated temperature (up to 45°C) and humidity (up to 75% RH) to get faster results. The increased humidity and temperature compress the timeline helping predict the degradation duration way earlier.

Upgraded Facilities for Advanced Results

One of the major aspects that differentiates shelf-life study from other analytical testing is its correlation with the manufacturer and the consumer. Both parties are equally beneficiaries of these tests establishing a healthier and safer consumer-manufacturer relationship.

Here are the tests we carry out to understand the product life:

Microbiological Testing

Our dedicated microbiologists and analysts perform significant tests to identify pathogens and other contaminants in the products. The following are some of the common tests:

  • Total Plate Count (TPC)
  • Yeast & Mould, Coliforms
  • E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, Anaerobic Spores

Chemical & Nutritional Testing

We have a resolute team of chemical analysts who check the chemical properties of products to identify adulteration and other changes in the product integrity. The commonly performed tests are:

  • Vitamin degradation & active retention
  • Oxidative rancidity, peroxide value, acidity
  • Preservative efficacy (e.g., as per USP/IP guidelines)
  • Nutrient profiling for labelling and claim substantiation

Physical & Sensory Evaluation

We carry out advanced tests at our exclusive internal department to check the physical properties of a product and ensure competence. Here are the major tests we perform:

  • Texture, colour, odour, and taste assessment
  • Visual appearance and flavour retention studies

Packaging Compatibility

The quality and integrity of the packaging material are integral parts that determine the shelf life of a product. At our labs, we perform testing of packaging materials as well to ensure the durability of the product. The following are the major tests we perform:

  • Migration testing (EU 10/2011, USFDA, LFGB)
  • Interaction with food matrix and product content
  • Barrier property testing (OTR & MVTR)
  • Leachables, microplastic migration, and heavy metal content
Upgraded Facilities
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Industries We Serve

Serving a wide range of clients since 1988, we offer a variety of tests to a vast clientele. The following are the major industries for which we provide shelf-life studies and stability testing:
  • Food & Beverages: Ready-to-eat meals, packaged snacks, and oils
  • Pharmaceuticals: Oral syrups, tablets, and medical supplements
  • Cosmetics: Creams, serums, lotions, and more
  • Home Care: Detergents, disinfectants, and more
  • Nutraceuticals & AYUSH: Capsules, herbal blends, protein powders, and more
Choose ITC Labs

Why Choose ITC Labs?

With accreditations, certifications, and recognition from organisations such as NABL (ISO/IEC 17025:2017), FSSAI, BIS, APEDA, EIC, AGMARK, MoEFCC, GLP, and State Drug Controllers, we are one of the industry leaders globally. With headquarters in Panchkula and a fully functional laboratory in Chennai, we have a reliable national presence.

Equipped with the most modern instruments such as HPLC, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, ICP-MS, FTIR, and UV-Vis we assure accurate results within a short time. Our integrated services combine nutrition testing, allergen testing, packaging testing, and contamination testing, ITC Labs is a one-stop solution for analytical testing.

Our team of expert analysts, scientists, and technicians work hand-in-hand with the aid of the latest technology eLABSS LIMS to help our customers from the start to the end.

Partner For Reliability

From formulating your first product to planning a multinational product launch with global compliance, we deliver reliable, data-driven insights to protect your product and your reputation. Contact us today for customised shelf-life testing services designed to meet your regulatory and market needs.
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Declaration

ITC Labs, the abbreviated name for Interstellar Testing Centre Private Limited, is an entirely independent and privately held analytical testing laboratory. The entity is not in any manner associated, affiliated, connected, endorsed, or sponsored by ITC Limited or any of its subsidiaries, associates, or group companies.

All references to "ITC Labs" across this website, marketing material, or other communications are strictly intended to denote Interstellar Testing Centre alone. Any perceived similarity or reference to the mark “ITC” is purely coincidental and unintentional, and does not imply any commercial, legal, or corporate relationship with ITC Limited.

This disclaimer is published voluntarily and in good faith to prevent confusion, and to unequivocally clarify that ITC Labs and ITC Limited are distinct and unrelated entities.

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