Quality Control and Shelf-Life (Stability) Testing

Abstract

Two routine functions of a sensory department may be quality control testing and the measurement of product stability or shelf life. These activities may involve any of the three main kinds of sensory testing or modifications of them. However, there are unique constraints for these tests, different types of analyses, and specific models for these data. This chapter discusses different procedures for sensory quality control, presents a recommended procedure, and outlines the programmatic requirements for establishing and maintaining a sensory QC function. The second section of the chapter presents an introduction to shelf-life testing, its special considerations, and some of the models used for stability testing data.Consumer researchers are well aware of the quality of products. The food industry constantly faces the demand to maintain both quality and profitability simultaneously. Quality, however, is an elusive concept and as such must be operationalized and measured in order for it to be maintained.-H. R. Moskowitz (1995)