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Shelf Life Calculator

The MLA Shelf-life Calculator for Red Meat is available as an MS ®Excel version and a online user-friendly version. The MLA Shelf-Life calculator is used to predict the remaining shelf life of Vacuum Packed Beef and lamb primals for export and various retail-ready products (mince and/or steak) in Vacuum Skin Packs (VSP), Thermoformed Packs (TP), Modified Atmospheric Packaging (MAP) and Overwrap (OW) packs.

The MLA Shelf-Life predictive modelling is based on pack format, storage temperature, and an estimation of the microbial load (Total Viable Count (TVC)) at the time of packing.

The MLA Shelf-Life Calculator offers a cost-effective approach for an improved and flexible management of our Australian Red Meat supply chain by providing data that can assist with decisions on product movement, quality assurance, and reducing waste.

Access the Shelf Life Calculator - Excel Version

(Please ensure you download this tool and open it in Excel, rather than in-browser.)

Access the Shelf Life Calculator - Web Based Application

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User manual How to use guide Journal Paper

Disclaimer: Care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this tool. However, MLA and UTAS do not accept responsibility for the accuracy, currency or completeness of the information provided when using this tool. MLA and UTAS make no representations about the suitability or validity of this tool for commercial use. This tool is intended to provide general information only and it has been prepared without taking into account your specific circumstances, objectives, or needs. You should make your own enquiries before making decisions concerning your interests. Your use of, or reliance on this tool is entirely at your own risk and MLA and UTAS accept no liability for any losses or damages incurred by you as a result of that use or reliance.