Sensory Evaluation Program
The program assists developers in determining the market suitability of their products through the following types of testing:
- trained panel
- product development
- consumer acceptability
Trained panels can be used by researchers and industry to assess the effect of ingredients and processes on their product. Product development and consumer panels can be used to help measure product acceptability. They can also provide information about specific product attributes such as:
- flavour
- appearance
- texture
- packaging
Facilities
The Sensory Evaluation program offers services at 2 facilities:
- Consumer Product Testing Centre
- Food Processing Development Centre
Panel recruitment process
Centre staff maintain a secure database of people over the age of 18 who are periodically recruited to participate in panels. Those who meet the demographic requirements for the particular panel are asked to participate at a scheduled time and date. All participants receive an honorarium, depending on how much time the test will take and the type of product that is evaluated. The honorariums are paid by the client requesting the sensory panel.
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For information on being a taste panellist, see:
- Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 107 KB)
- Taste Panellist Recruitment Form
Contact
To connect with the Consumer Product Testing Centre:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-415-6268
Fax: 780-415-6270
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: cptc@gov.ab.ca
Address:
Consumer Product Testing Centre
Capital Health Centre
106, 10030 107 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3E4