Extended Shelf Life: Flying Under the Radar

Extended shelf life (ESL) has existed since the very beginning of food science and technology under a variety of designations. The basis for preservation of all chilled foods, ESL is gradually extending its reach and now encompasses nearly half of all food distribution. Of all the technologies that are taught in universities and are the subject of peerreview research publications, ESL is noteworthy for its virtual absence. It is amazing that this fundamental adjunct to food packaging has been vi…