Government regulations recommend water activity measurements in food

Water activity measurement is a critical requirement recommended by global regulatory bodies for product safety. The FDA and other agencies (USDA, USP, AOAC, ICH, ISO, Eudralex) have established guidelines for monitoring water activity in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. These measurements predict stability regarding microbial growth and deteriorative reactions in products. The regulations ensure products are produced under sanitary conditions and remain pure and wholesome throughout manufacturing processes. Government safety protocols specifically address thermal processing, ready-to-eat products, and potential hazards in production, emphasizing water activity's role in quality control.

Highlights:

• Water Activity: Critical parameter for product safety and stability monitoring
• Regulatory Compliance: Multiple agencies (FDA, USDA, USP, AOAC, ICH, ISO) require water activity testing 
• FDA Food code: Establishes the definition of potentially hazardous foods based on water activity (aw) and pH values
• USDA Guideline: A critical safety indicator that predicts microbial growth and product stability in food manufacturing
• ISO Standards: Establishes microbiological risk assessment guidelines using water activity as a key parameter

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