Food Safety and Shelf-Life Strategies for Small Juice and Beverage Producers

Small food producers play an important role in the food supply chain, providing locally sourced products to consumers. They contribute to regional food production growth and foster economic development. However, they often face food safety challenges and struggle to implement food safety practices, which can hinder their ability to comply with state or federal regulations. This is especially true for juice and beverage producers, who must navigate complex safety standards while ensuring product quality and shelf stability. 

To address these challenges, the Cornell Microbial Food Safety Extension and Outreach Program conducted a survey to identify knowledge gaps and training opportunities among juice and beverage producers. This webinar is a direct outcome of that project. We're bringing together experts to discuss fundamental aspects of food microbiology, shelf-life studies, and the use of preservatives — both natural and chemical — to enhance product stability and safety.

In this Lunch & Learn webinar, participants will: 

• Get a brief overview of food-related microorganisms
• Learn the key steps for conducting a shelf life study
• Understand the application of preservatives (chemical and natural) 

Join us for an informative 1-hour session designed to help small-scale producers in understating key factors at play in beverage and juice products.