To recipes helpdesk

Question

Posted on: March 17 2017

Shelf life disulfiram suspension with Aqua Conservans and sorbitol Liq. Instead of sugar syrup

and is the shelf life to be counted from the preparation or from the opening of the preparation?

Answer

We need to distinguish between physical, chemical and microbiological stability. The first relates   to the growth of suspended particles due to fluctuations in temperature, which the dissolved and unresolved fraction can influence. This may end in a hard-to-stir suspension.

Vooor The chemical shelf life is given a six-month period in the literature.

How long the suspension microbiologically acceptable in an unopened bottle will depend on the starting germ count. The hygiene, which is   used in the preparation and packaging of the suspension is decisive. All elements, which occur in the preparation, must have the greatest possible purity. Both raw materials (e.g. freshly cooked water) and used material (mortar, pestle........) must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.   Under those circumstances, at the end of the chemical shelf life, the suspension in an unopened bottle will probably not have a high germ count, there are also preservatives provided.  

These play mainly a role when used so in the case of an opened bottle. Preservatives will reduce the abnormal growth of the germs injected when used, but still I would limit my use to 2 months. The conditions of use may vary considerably, so that some moderation should not be overlooked.