Säilivus

Säilivus is an Estonian term used to describe the shelf life of a product—the period during which the product remains safe to use or consume and retains an acceptable level of quality under defined storage conditions. It covers both safety and quality attributes, and can apply to foods, medicines, cosmetics, and other consumer goods. The concept distinguishes between the duration a product stays usable (use-by) and the period during which it remains at best quality (best-before).

The length of säilivus is influenced by multiple factors. Storage temperature, humidity, light exposure, and oxygen availability directly affect microbial growth, enzymatic activity, and chemical changes. Material properties such as moisture content, pH, fat content, and the presence of preservatives or antioxidants also play a role. Packaging, including barrier properties and sealing integrity, can extend or reduce shelf life by limiting interactions with the environment. Real-world säilivus is often product-specific and can change with shifts in storage and handling across the supply chain.

Measurement and regulation involve both scientific testing and labeling practices. Real-time shelf-life testing and accelerated aging studies help estimate duration under expected conditions. Microbiological assays, chemical indicators, and sensory evaluation are common methods. Regulatory labeling typically uses terms such as use-by (kasutatakse enne) and best-before (parim enne) in Estonian contexts, with storage instructions guiding consumer expectations. Understanding säilivus is important for manufacturers, retailers, and consumers to ensure safety, minimize waste, and maintain product quality throughout distribution and use.