Final answer:
The term 'shelf life' refers to the length of time that a product can be stored before it deteriorates or becomes unsafe to use. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and the nature of the product can affect shelf life. Understanding shelf life is important for food safety and quality standards in various industries.
Step-by-step explanation:
Shelf life refers to the length of time that a product, such as food or laboratory materials, can be stored before it starts to deteriorate or become unsafe to use. It is the period during which the product remains stable and retains its quality.
Factors that affect shelf life include temperature, humidity, oxygen exposure, and the nature of the product itself. For example, perishable food items like fruits and vegetables have a shorter shelf life compared to non-perishable items like canned goods or dried grains. Manufacturers and producers often provide expiration dates or best before dates on their products to indicate their estimated shelf life.
Understanding the shelf life of different products is important for food safety, preventing spoilage, and maintaining quality standards in industries such as food production, pharmaceuticals, and scientific research.