INTERNATIONAL ISO

STANDARD 8586

Second edition
2023-04

Sensory analysis — Selection and

training of sensory assessors
Analyse sensorielle — Sélection et entraînement des sujets sensoriels

iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW

(standards.iteh.ai)
ISO 8586:2023
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/495bd8a1-b017-41bb-9eeb-
1a2ed54888e4/iso-8586-2023

Reference number
ISO 8586:2023(E)

© ISO 2023
ISO 8586:2023(E)

iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW

(standards.iteh.ai)
ISO 8586:2023
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/495bd8a1-b017-41bb-9eeb-
1a2ed54888e4/iso-8586-2023

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT

© ISO 2023
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland

ii  © ISO 2023 – All rights reserved


 ISO 8586:2023(E)

Contents Page

Foreword...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................v
Introduction..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................vii
1 Scope.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
2 Normative references...................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
3 Terms and definitions..................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
4 Recruitment and preselection of subjects................................................................................................................................. 2
4.1 General............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 2
4.2 Recruitment............................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
4.2.1 General......................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
4.2.2 Recruitment conditions................................................................................................................................................ 4
4.2.3 Types of recruitment....................................................................................................................................................... 4
4.2.4 Advantages and disadvantages of internal and external recruitment............................... 5
4.2.5 Number of persons to be selected........................................................................................................................ 6
4.3 Background information and preselection.................................................................................................................... 7
4.3.1 Initial aspects......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
4.3.2 Health and psychological criteria........................................................................................................................ 7
4.3.3 Other factors........................................................................................................................................................................... 8
5 Sensory screening............................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
5.1
5.2 iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW
General............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Types of screening tests.................................................................................................................................................................. 8
5.3 Colour vision.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
5.4 (standards.iteh.ai)
Ageusia and anosmia......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
5.4.1 General......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
5.4.2 Ageusia......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
5.4.3 Odour recognition ISO test..8586:2023
.............................................................................................................................................. 10
5.5 https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/495bd8a1-b017-41bb-9eeb-
Texture........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 11
1a2ed54888e4/iso-8586-2023
5.5.1 General...................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
5.5.2 Analysis and interpretation of results.......................................................................................................... 12
5.6 Hearing........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 12
5.7 Descriptive ability............................................................................................................................................................................. 12
5.8 Selection of trainees........................................................................................................................................................................ 13
6 Training of sensory assessors............................................................................................................................................................. 13
6.1 Principle..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
6.2 General......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
6.3 Assessment procedure.................................................................................................................................................................. 14
6.4 Training exercises.............................................................................................................................................................................. 15
6.4.1 Tests for detection of a stimulus........................................................................................................................ 15
6.4.2 Tests for discrimination between levels of intensity of a stimulus.................................... 16
6.4.3 Descriptive ability........................................................................................................................................................... 17
6.4.4 Training in the use of scales................................................................................................................................... 20
6.5 Specific product training............................................................................................................................................................. 22
6.5.1 General...................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
6.5.2 Discrimination assessment..................................................................................................................................... 22
6.5.3 Descriptive assessment.............................................................................................................................................. 22
6.6 Particular methods training.................................................................................................................................................... 23
6.6.1 Principle................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
6.6.2 Discrimination assessments.................................................................................................................................. 23
6.6.3 Ranking assessment...................................................................................................................................................... 23
6.6.4 Rating and scoring.......................................................................................................................................................... 23
6.6.5 Descriptive sensory analysis................................................................................................................................. 23
6.7 Practice........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 24
7 Validation of sensory panel performance and training effectiveness.....................................................24

© ISO 2023 – All rights reserved  iii

ISO 8586:2023(E)

8 Management and follow-up of the group................................................................................................................................. 25

8.1 Motivation................................................................................................................................................................................................. 25
8.2 Maintaining of skills........................................................................................................................................................................ 25
8.3 Renewal....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 25
8.4 Retraining................................................................................................................................................................................................. 26
8.5 Additional training........................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Annex A (informative) Alternative colour screening procedure....................................................................................... 27
Annex B (informative) Recognition of difference in textures............................................................................................... 29
Annex C (informative) Cleansers and palate cleansers................................................................................................................ 30
Annex D (informative) Examples of most common scales......................................................................................................... 32
Annex E (informative) Example of a scaling exercise.................................................................................................................... 33
Annex F (informative) Example of a ranking and then rating using scales............................................................ 35
Annex G (informative) Example of a scaling test with two standards......................................................................... 36
Bibliography.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 37

iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW

(standards.iteh.ai)
ISO 8586:2023
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/495bd8a1-b017-41bb-9eeb-
1a2ed54888e4/iso-8586-2023

iv  © ISO 2023 – All rights reserved


 ISO 8586:2023(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
(standards.iteh.ai)
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 34, Food products, Subcommittee SC 12,
Sensory analysis, in collaboration with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical
Committee CEN/SS C01, Food Products,ISO 8586:2023 with the Agreement on technical cooperation
in accordance
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/495bd8a1-b017-41bb-9eeb-
between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
1a2ed54888e4/iso-8586-2023
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 8586:2012), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— the Title has been changed to “Sensory analysis — Selection and training of sensory assessors” (the
monitoring was removed as redundant with ISO 11132);
— some text from the Introduction has been moved into Clause 4;
— the Scope has been modified;
— a definition for the term “homogeneous” has been added in Clause 3;
— the process steps and roles of assessors have been clarified and the corresponding Figure 1 revised;
— Table 4 has been added with references to other International Standards;
— the tables and exercises for screening and training have been revised and modified;
— in Tables 3, 5, 9 and 11, examples for home and personal care products have been added;
— new annexes have been added with examples of screening and training activities;
— the concept of expert sensory assessors has been included in 8.5;
— Clause 2 and the Bibliography have been updated.

© ISO 2023 – All rights reserved  v

ISO 8586:2023(E)

Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW

(standards.iteh.ai)
ISO 8586:2023
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/495bd8a1-b017-41bb-9eeb-
1a2ed54888e4/iso-8586-2023

vi  © ISO 2023 – All rights reserved


 ISO 8586:2023(E)

Introduction
Sensory analysis is a science that is involved with the assessment of the organoleptic attributes of a
product by the senses. As such, sensory analysis uses sensory assessors as evaluators of products. This
document describes the recruitment, screening and training protocol for sensory assessors.
A sensory analysis sensory panel constitutes a true “measuring instrument”, and consequently the
results of the analysis depend on its members.
The recruitment of persons willing to participate in a sensory panel therefore needs to be carried out
with care and to be considered as a real investment, both in time and money.

iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW

(standards.iteh.ai)
ISO 8586:2023
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/495bd8a1-b017-41bb-9eeb-
1a2ed54888e4/iso-8586-2023

© ISO 2023 – All rights reserved  vii

 iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW
(standards.iteh.ai)
ISO 8586:2023
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/495bd8a1-b017-41bb-9eeb-
1a2ed54888e4/iso-8586-2023
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 8586:2023(E)

Sensory analysis — Selection and training of sensory

assessors
WARNING — This document does not address any safety issues associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this document to establish appropriate safety and health practices
and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1 Scope
This document specifies criteria for the selection of and procedures for the training of trained sensory
assessors and expert sensory assessors for food and beverages, as well as home and personal care
products.
It is applicable to all industries concerned with the evaluation of products by the sense organs.
This document supplements the information given in ISO 6658.

2 Normative references

iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW

The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
(standards.iteh.ai)
ISO 5492, Sensory analysis — Vocabulary
ISO 6658, Sensory analysis — Methodology
ISO—8586:2023
General guidance
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/495bd8a1-b017-41bb-9eeb-
ISO 8589, Sensory analysis — General guidance for the design of test rooms
1a2ed54888e4/iso-8586-2023

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 5492 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://​w ww​.iso​.org/​obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://​w ww​.electropedia​.org/​
3.1
sensory assessor
any person taking part in a sensory test
Note 1 to entry: A naive sensory assessor is a person who does not meet any particular criterion.

Note 2 to entry: An initiated sensory assessor has already participated in a sensory test.

3.2
screened sensory assessor
sensory assessors (3.1) who have been screened for their sensory abilities
3.3
trained sensory assessor
sensory assessors (3.1) who have been trained for a method or methods

© ISO 2023 – All rights reserved  1

ISO 8586:2023(E)

3.4
expert
<in the general sense> person who, through knowledge or experience, has competence to give an
opinion in the fields about which he/she is consulted
3.5
expert sensory assessor
sensory assessor (3.1) with a demonstrated sensory sensitivity and with considerable training and
experience in sensory testing, who is able to make consistent and repeatable sensory assessments of
various products
3.6
sensory panel training
series of sessions (3.11) in which sensory assessors (3.1) are oriented to the tasks to be completed by a
sensory panel (3.7) and practice assessing particular product(s), which may include relevant product
characteristics, standard rating scales, techniques of evaluation and terminology
3.7
sensory panel
group of sensory assessors (3.1) participating in a sensory test
3.8
repeatability
agreement in assessments of the same products under the same test conditions by the same sensory
assessor (3.1) or sensory panel (3.7)
3.9
iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW
reproducibility
(standards.iteh.ai)
agreement in assessments of the same products under different test conditions or by different sensory
assessors (3.1) or sensory panels (3.7)
ISO
Note 1 to entry: Reproducibility may be measured as any8586:2023
of the following:
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/495bd8a1-b017-41bb-9eeb-
— the reproducibility of a sensory panel 1a2ed54888e4/iso-8586-2023
(or an assessor) in the short term, measured between two or more
sessions (3.11) separated by several days;

— the reproducibility of a sensory panel (or an assessor) in the medium or long term, measured among sessions
separated by several months;

— the reproducibility between different sensory panels, in the same laboratory or in different laboratories.

3.10
homogeneous
of the same kind
3.11
session
period of time where the sensory assessors (3.1) work on a specific task or evaluate a number of samples,
either individually or as a group
Note 1 to entry: A session typically spans from 30 min to 2 h.

4 Recruitment and preselection of subjects

4.1 General

4.1.1 Sensory assessment can be performed by four types of assessors (see Figure 1):

— naive sensory assessors;

2  © ISO 2023 – All rights reserved


 ISO 8586:2023(E)

— screened sensory assessors;

— trained sensory assessors;
— expert sensory assessors.

iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW

(standards.iteh.ai)
ISO 8586:2023
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/495bd8a1-b017-41bb-9eeb-
1a2ed54888e4/iso-8586-2023

Figure 1 — Recruitment, screening and training process of sensory assessors

4.1.2 It is necessary to undertake a preliminary selection of the candidates at the recruitment stage,
in order to eliminate those who would be unsuited for sensory analysis. The final selection shall be
made after screening and ultimately training. The selection and training methods to be employed
depend on the tasks intended for the “trained sensory assessors” and “expert sensory assessors”.

4.1.3 Sensory assessors work as a sensory panel which is managed by a sensory panel leader.
In certain cases (especially for descriptive sensory analysis), the sensory panel may be divided into
specialized subgroups.

4.1.4 The recommended procedure for the training of a sensory panel involves:

a) recruitment and preliminary screening of naive assessors/candidates;

© ISO 2023 – All rights reserved  3


ISO 8586:2023(E)

b) screening of naive assessors/candidates, selection of whom are to become screened sensory

assessors/trainees;
c) training and validation of screened sensory assessors, selection of whom then become trained
sensory assessors;
d) possible additional training of trained sensory assessors to become expert sensory assessors.
The exact procedures covered by a) and b) and the nature of the tests performed in c) and d) depend on
the tasks intended for the sensory panel.

4.1.5 The sensory panel leader is responsible for the general follow-up of the group of expert sensory
assessors and for their training. The expert sensory assessors are not responsible for the choice
of tests used, the presentation of the samples or for the interpretation of results. These matters are
the responsibility of the sensory panel leader who also decides how much information is given to the
sensory panel.

4.1.6 The performance of selected assessors should be monitored regularly to ensure that the criteria
by which they were initially selected continue to be met. For monitoring and validation procedures, see
ISO 11132.

4.1.7 The entire process for the recruitment of a sensory panel is illustrated in Figure 1.

4.1.8
iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW
Willing candidates for training shall have the following general characteristics:

a) they shall be motivated and interested in further developing their sensory skills;
b)
(standards.iteh.ai)
they shall be able to participate;
c) they shall not have any sensory impediments
ISOrelated to the purpose of the test.
8586:2023
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/495bd8a1-b017-41bb-9eeb-
4.2 Recruitment 1a2ed54888e4/iso-8586-2023
4.2.1 General

To recruit candidates and to screen those most suitable for training, follow 4.2.2 to 5.7.

4.2.2 Recruitment conditions

There are three important considerations for the recruitment of people for a sensory panel:
— Where should people be recruited from to constitute the group?
— How many people shall be selected?
— How shall the people be selected?
Answers to these questions are provided in 4.2.3 to 4.2.5.

4.2.3 Types of recruitment

4.2.3.1 General

Two types of recruitment are available to organizations:

— company staff recruited from within the organization (internal recruitment);
— recruit people from outside the organization (external recruitment).

4  © ISO 2023 – All rights reserved


 ISO 8586:2023(E)

It is possible to constitute a mixed sensory panel from both types of recruitment.

4.2.3.2 Internal recruitment

Internal candidates are recruited from office, plant or laboratory staff. It is advisable to avoid those
persons who are too personally involved with products or projects being examined, in particular those
involved at the technical or commercial level, because they can cause the results to be biased.
In this type of recruitment, it is vital that the organization’s general management and hierarchy provide
their support and make it known that sensory analysis is considered as part of everyone’s work. This
can be made known at the hiring stage of the personnel.

4.2.3.3 External recruitment

The recruitment is conducted outside the organization.

The most commonly used means for this purpose are advertisement of the role, e.g. in local press, social
media or through suitable clubs or groups.

4.2.4 Advantages and disadvantages of internal and external recruitment

4.2.4.1 General

Organizations may use independent internal or external sensory panels for different tasks.
iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW
4.2.4.2 Internal recruitment
(standards.iteh.ai)
4.2.4.2.1 Advantages

The advantages are: ISO 8586:2023

https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/495bd8a1-b017-41bb-9eeb-
— the people are available at short notice as they work on site;
1a2ed54888e4/iso-8586-2023
— it is not necessary to make provision for any payment (however, in order to maintain interest, it can
be desirable to offer incentives);
— a better confidentiality regarding the results is ensured, which is particularly important for research
work.

4.2.4.2.2 Disadvantages

The disadvantages are:

— problems related to the hierarchy of the organization;
— candidates are influenced in their judgements by knowledge of the products;
— replacement of candidates is more difficult (limited number of persons in small organizations);
— less choice of people;
— lack of availability due to conflicting priorities.

© ISO 2023 – All rights reserved  5