Validation of the hedonic threshold methodology in determining the compromised acceptance threshold

Abstract

The compromised acceptance threshold (CAT) indicates the intensity of a stimulus from which product acceptance is significantly altered. This new affective threshold is determined by hedonic threshold methodology (HTM). The levels of analytical performance associated with precision (repeatability, intermediate precision, and reproducibility), accuracy, and robustness of CAT results were investigated. The methodology met the pre-established criteria, being accurate in assessments carried out consecutively (repeatability), in tests separated by a certain period of time as well as with different consumer panels (intermediate precision), and in tests carried out in different facilities (reproducibility). The methodology presented suitable accuracy, though slightly conservative, which may be desirable. The methodology was also shown to be robust as it allowed the reduction of panel members from 150 to 70 consumers. In this context, the methodology-which presented reliable results as well as high precision, accuracy, and robustness-was validated. Practical applicationsThe need for showing the quality of sensory measurements is being increasingly recognized and required for the acceptance of new methodologies within the scientific community, given that unreliable analytical data may lead to dreadful decisions as well as long-lasting financial losses.Results from the present work show that the data obtained through the hedonic threshold methodology/compromised acceptance threshold methodology met all criteria of the evaluated analytical indexes. Thus, one may conclude that this methodology has suitable precision (repeatability, intermediate precision, and reproducibility), accuracy, and robustness (by reducing consumer panel size) levels and is efficient in providing reliable results. Hence, this method can be applied for the intended purpose.

Validation of the hedonic threshold methodology in determining the hedonic rejection threshold

“…The procedures and evaluated criteria to validate the HTM/HRT were based on validation studies of sensory methodologies (Boutrolle et al, ; Lima Filho et al, ; Louw et al, ; Pagès & Husson, ; Saldamando et al, ; Silva, Minim, Silva, Gonçalves et al, ; Vidal et al, ; Worch, Crine, Gruel, & Lê, ; Worch, Lê, Punter, & Pagès, ).…”

“…To investigate the different analytical performance indexes of the HTM/HRT, seven assays were performed and coded as outlined in (Table ). The assays were performed according to Lima Filho et al ().…”

“…Among these, four assays (UFV‐t0, UFV‐t1, UFV‐t2, and UFV‐t90) were performed at the Sensory Analysis Laboratory of UFV, Viçosa, MG; whereas the other assay (UFES) was conducted at the Sensory Analysis Laboratory; Center for Agricultural Sciences and Engineering at UFES, Alegre, ES. The assays performed to evaluate precision were the same as those performed by Lima Filho et al (). The specifics of each of these assays are described below.…”

“…However, there is no specific protocol for the validation of methodologies that determine sensorial thresholds. Studies in literature seeking to validate sensorial methodologies only evaluated specific validation criteria, such as precision, accuracy, and robustness (Bi & Kuesten, ; Boutrolle, Arranz, Rogeaux, & Delarue, ; Léon, Couronne, Marcuz, & Koster, ; Lima Filho et al, ; Louw et al, ; Purdy, Armstrong, & Mc Ilveen, ; Saldamando, Antúnez, Torres‐Moreno, Giménez, & Ares, ; Silva, Minim, Silva, Gonçalves et al, ).…”

“…Recently, Lima Filho et al () investigated the reliability of CAT results as obtained through HTM. The HTM/CAT presented suitable precision (repeatability, intermediate precision, and reproducibility), accuracy and robustness (by reducing the consumer panel size) levels and was efficient in providing reliable results.…”