Shelf life as requirement for quality of milk products

In the complete assessment of the quality of milk and milk products, one of the important elements influencing the quality of the products is its storage stability e.g. shelf life. The quality is not a matter of choice, but imperative for survival on the market due to economical reasons as well as international regulations. Durability of a product is the consequence of the collection of milk, processing, distribution and storage in retail stores. The quality should be seen in connection with the highest satisfaction of consumers requests and improvements of manufacturing procedures. Modern concepts of managemen, control (TQM, QSA, GMP, LISA, HACCP) and observation of regulations of the International Standardisation Organisation (ISO:9000, 9001 etc) are of great importance in reaching the adequate shelf life for each product.