Shelf Life: How Jordanian, Gulf, EU and US Standards Differ

Shelf life is not a number copied from a similar product — it is the outcome of a stability study backed by microbiological, sensory and chemical results, and it must match the standard in force in the market of sale.

Jordan (JS 288 and annexes): sets reference periods for broad food categories and requires both production and expiry dates on the pack — a key difference from EU practice.

Gulf GSO: similar in approach to the Jordanian standard but with detailed per-category tables and mandated storage conditions stated next to the period. When exporting to the Gulf, check the category table, not the general rule.

EU (1169/2011): distinguishes "use by" for microbiologically highly perishable foods (sale prohibited afterwards) from "best before" for the rest (quality, not safety). The food business operator must justify the period.

US (FDA): no mandatory date for most foods except infant formula, but FSMA requires preventive controls and documented justification for any date you do declare.

In practice: the same product may carry 6 months in one market and 12 in another because definitions and requirements differ. Never copy a period across markets without review.

When do you need a real stability study? New product, reformulation, packaging or process change, or extending an existing period. Minimum: samples under true storage conditions at 0 · 1/3 · 2/3 · end of life, plus a safety margin.

In NutriCard you pick the reference standard first, then search the food category — the reference period and required storage conditions appear side by side across standards.