Product formulation including the use of preservatives.Mould and bacterial growth can be inhibited or slowed down by removing moisture. It is important to take into account that substituting or removing ingredients, or modifying them in some way may allow microorganisms to grow where previously they were inhibited. Replacing sugar with an artificial sweetener; using a reduced-acid vinegar; changing the type of acid; removing nitrates from a processed meat; reducing the amount of added salt can all reduce the effectiveness of hurdles introduced to control microorganisms and so change the shelf life of a product.