This is a fact sheet explaining water activity, how water activity is related to food safety/spoilage/shelf-life, defining water activity-controlled foods, determining if a product is classified as water activity-controlled, working with the Food Producer Technical Assistance Network to conduct and interpret water activity testing, and recommendations for the frequency of water activity testing.

Consumers rely on food labeling for detailed information about the origin, safe handling, proper storage, and ingredient contents of a product. Additional labeling claims may be added to highlight a product’s attributes for marketing purposes. Allowable label claims are defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use under predetermined conditions.