The ASTM E3000 standard (Standard Guide for Measuring and Tracking Performance of Assessors on a Descriptive Sensory Panel) was published in 2018. The ASTM E3000 focused on measuring performance, but there was a need to work on a new guideline with more details on giving feedback to sensory assessors. This is the reason why the new ASTM E3313-23 is here.
The standard acknowledges that the skill of giving feedback to sensory assessors is typically acquired through practical experience. Thus, ASTM E3313 is a resource for panel leaders, offering insights and recommendations on various aspects of feedback delivery. It covers different types of feedback, suggests appropriate timing for providing feedback, emphasizes effective delivery methods, and emphasizes the alignment of feedback with performance expectations. The goal is to create a collaborative environment that fosters constructive feedback exchanges between assessors and panel leaders.
While the standard is not meant for individual assessors or those unfamiliar with panel operations, it covers essential stages of the assessment process. This includes assessor training, panel development, and continuous assessor and panel monitoring.
ASTM E3313:2023 encompasses various types of sensory panels, such as descriptive, discrimination, and quality panels. These panels are key in evaluating sensory attributes, detecting differences, and assessing overall product quality. However, it's important to note that the standard does not cover consumer panels, whether qualitative or quantitative. This standard does not cover either olfactometric panels formed according to the EN 13725 standard.
For more information about the ASTM International standard on feedback for assessors (E3313) and its impact on the field of sensory evaluation check here:
