Application Note: Water activity

Novasina explains why water activity is the most important release specification for food production.

The production of a safe and nutritious food supply is critically important but can be challenged by a multitude of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Water, an ingredient present in all food products at varying concentrations, perhaps has the most significant impact on food safety and quality. Food manufacturers attempt to eliminate problems and assure quality by setting certain specifications that must be met by each product before it is released and sent to the consumer.