Yes, lactic acid does have a shelf life, meaning it can lose its guaranteed quality over time if not stored correctly.
Understanding Lactic Acid Shelf Life
For chemical products like lactic acid, "going bad" doesn't typically mean it becomes toxic in the way food might, but rather that it may no longer meet its specified quality standards or performance guarantees after a certain period. This is referred to as its shelf life.
Guaranteed Shelf Life and Storage Conditions
According to manufacturers, there is a specific period during which the quality of lactic acid is guaranteed, provided it is stored under recommended conditions.
Manufacturers typically guarantee a shelf life of 3 years from the production date for various grades of lactic acid. This guarantee is valid only if the product is stored in its original packaging and under specific conditions.
Key storage conditions often include:
- Temperature: A recommended storage temperature range, such as 5 – 30 °C.
- Packaging: Storing in the original, sealed packaging.
- Handling: Avoiding excessive stacking, such as not triple stacking pallets.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Shelf Life | 3 years from production date |
| Condition | Guaranteed |
| Requirements | Original packaging, proper storage |
| Temperature | 5 – 30 °C recommended |
Practical Considerations
Once lactic acid passes its guaranteed shelf life, or if it has been stored improperly (e.g., outside the recommended temperature range), the manufacturer's guarantee on its quality and efficacy expires. While it might still be usable for some applications, its performance might not be consistent or meet the original specifications.
Proper storage is crucial to ensure that the lactic acid maintains its quality and performance characteristics throughout its guaranteed shelf life. Always check the product's specific label and documentation for exact storage requirements and expiration information.
