SUSSLE (Sustainable Shelf-Life Extension) is CFA’s validated thermal process for optimising shelf life. It supports food safety with regard to non-proteolytic Clostridium botulinum and Bacillus cereus, and reduces waste across chilled supply chains.
Members using SUSSLE have reported clear production and commercial benefits:
- Production frequency and scheduling: Companies are seeing fewer changeovers, including hygiene changeovers, which increases production capacity. Where fewer product types are made per shift, allergen changeovers can also be reduced.
- Customer attitudes to extended life: Extended life achieved through SUSSLE is linked to less in-store waste and is seen as a practical, beneficial tool. Importantly, members report no increase in customer complaints when using SUSSLE.
- Customer and trade relationships: The longer life SUSSLE provides helps smooth stock management and responses to forecast volatility – supporting service levels and strengthening relationships with customers and trade partners.
To find out more about how SUSSLE could benefit your organisation, contact cfa@chilledfood.org
