shelf life

Domestic fridge design comes in from the cold?

Domestic fridge design has remained largely unchanged from a consumer’s perspective since their first use in the 1920s. So a long-overdue project, instigated by Karin Goodburn, and funded by FSRN is ongoing using sensor-based technology to improve the design, performance and usage of domestic fridges.

Previous work revealed that the energy consumption of different models of fridges was down, not to design, but to how they were used.  Analysis of consumer behaviour is therefore key with focus groups providing insights into how people organise their fridges, food waste management, temperature control, willingness to have their fridges monitored and other considerations. Users prioritise functionality, efficiency, and affordability, with some interest in smart features but they have concerns about cost and privacy. ​

The next stage comprises further consumer research and testing with potential sensor systems. These may record air temperature, humidity and energy usage, and could also track how many times the door is opened. The use of a camera will monitor what goes in and out of the fridge and where items are stored.

Karin adds: “The temperature at which food is stored is central to all our work in the chilled food industry. Correct conditions must be maintained at every stage of the food chain and yet for decades that final stage – the temperature of our fridges at home – has remained a frustrating variable. I am therefore delighted that this project is looking at the issue and will, we sincerely hope, give us the information required to influence fridge manufacturers.”

The project is being led by London South Bank University and CFA is collaborating along with Food Standards Scotland, University of Leeds, WRAP, and the ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre at Cardiff Met University. ​

4 September 2025

Listeria – the truth around EU regulation changes

In July over 600 people attended Karin Goodburn’s webinar presentation ‘Listeria: The Inconvenient Truth’ at the Royal Society for Public Health. She dispelled myths and hype and provided clarity on the hardening of the regulatory penalty for RTE foods supporting growth of Listeria monocytogenes from next July (2026) in the EU and other jurisdictions applying EU law if shelf life data are not appropriate (criterion 1.2b in assimilated (EU) Reg 2073/2005).

Her presentation set out how there is no change to shelf life assessment requirements that have been in place for RTE foods through the Regulation for nearly 20 years.

Her reassuring clarity was well received attracting positive feedback from attendees: “(It) Was a great session brought me back through all the Listeria hysteria of the 1990’s and the great work CFA have and continue to do in this space.” And “Fantastic session today, thank you Karin for providing absolute clarity through all of the noise on such a fundamental subject for food manufacturers.”

Karin says: “The presentation was developed in response to uncertainty surrounding next year’s changes to Listeria legislation criterion in the EU and jurisdictions applying EU Law (e.g. Northern Ireland). The change only applies if the Competent Authority is not satisfied with the basis of shelf life for a ready to eat food supporting the growth of Lm. Under the changes individual EU Member States will continue to decide how shelf life should be established. However, the European Commission has made it clear that there is, for example, no requirement nor expectation that challenge testing be done whether other shelf life data are available. We are currently awaiting refreshed EC informal guidance on shelf life establishment.

“We are working with FSA, FSS, FSANI and FSA Wales refreshing the 2010 CFA/BRC/FSA Shelf life of ready to eat food in relation to Listeria monocytogenes – Guidance for food business operators (download) to make this explicit and reaffirm existing requirements in shelf life establishment.”

4 September 2025