Validating Expiration Dates of Colourings
We have some powdered colors that were purchased prior to our facility becoming SQF certified, and as such the prior person's in charge of the COAs did not keep the best of records. The issue is that now the colors are technically "expired" and I know that the manufacturers aren't going to grant extensions to some of these colors which are 10+ years old.
What steps would you personally take to grant extensions to these colors? Throwing them out is not an option at the moment.
I could check for moisture and salmonella, I suppose? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
For any expired ingredients that we have that are needing a shelf-life extension that I cannot get from the manufacturer, I subject them to the same microbiological tests as our finished products (in our case, aerobic plate count, coliforms, and yeast & mold). Moisture and salmonella, as you mentioned, could be useful depending on your product and process.
We don't use coloring in our products, but if I were to check the functionality of colorants as well as checking for any off-flavors or odors, I would plan for a small batch of product to be made using the expired colorants and then conducting a full sensory and microbiological set of tests to ensure that there are no criteria out of spec.
Would love to hear input from others as this seems to be a little bit of a gray area, at least for our company, suppliers, and clients.
Hi YNA QA,
I would be looking to test as per the original specification, including organoleptic and functionality.
Trailing a small batch as Gelato Quality Specialist has recommend is also a very good idea.
Kind regards,
Tony
Comparing the functionality vs a sample of unexpired material would be a good idea too. If you don't have any unexpired color on hand, perhaps the supplier would be willing to send a small sample?
Comparing the functionality vs a sample of unexpired material would be a good idea too. If you don't have any unexpired color on hand, perhaps the supplier would be willing to send a small sample?
I actually this this is probably what will work best for this item, as we validate the color all the time.
Thank you!