A quantitative method for predicting shelf life of soft drinks using a model system

Abstract
A quantitative method for the prediction of growth of the food spoilage yeastZygosaccharomyces bailii in a model fruit-drink system is described. A factorially designed experiment was employed to produce polynomial equations relating pH and sugar concentration (°brix) to the lag period and doubling time of this yeast. Low pH values (40) show a strong synergistic action on the extension of lag period, which could be used, along with the model presented, in the formulation of product preservation systems.