Assessor Resource

MSL975005
Conduct sensory analysis

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit of competency covers the ability to set up and coordinate sensory analysis and assess the results obtained from a routine sensory analysis.

This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory technicians and technical officers working in the food industry. Although a supervisor may not always be present, the technician will follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) that will clearly describe the scope of permitted practice in modifying testing procedures and for communicating results to people outside of the laboratory.

While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Select panellists/individuals for sensory analysis

1.1

Perform initial screening of potential panellists/individuals based on the testing brief

1.2

Use information to select suitable people

1.3

Analyse and report the results used to establish a panel

2

Prepare panellists for sensory analysis

2.1

Prepare panellists for sensory analysis

2.2

Conduct any training required to detect test characteristics

2.3

Instruct panellists on recording and reporting requirements of test data

3

Prepare samples for sensory analysis

3.1

Prepare reference samples to be used for the sensory analysis specification

3.2

Prepare evaluation samples to sensory analysis specification

3.3

Apply food safety procedures in the preparation and presentation of samples

3.4

Identify and report on any defects or abnormalities in samples

4

Conduct routine sensory analysis

4.1

Select appropriate test materials for the information required

4.2

Ensure tests are conducted according to workplace procedures

4.3

Analyse data

4.4

Report on process and results in accordance with workplace procedures

5

Evaluate and report findings

5.1

Assess the possible effects of group attributes

5.2

Review reliability of results for group bias

5.3

Complete all relevant documentation and present findings

6

Maintain a safe work environment

6.1

Use established work practices to ensure personal safety and that of other personnel

6.2

Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts

6.3

Ensure the safe collection of laboratory waste for subsequent disposal

6.4

Care for and store equipment and reagents as required

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

setting up and coordinating at least one (1) sensory analysis

selecting appropriate test procedures

developing and using questionnaires

preparing evaluation samples by dosing or processing

ensuring samples are in a suitable condition for analysis

performing initial screening of panellists and determining their suitability

selecting suitable panellists

conducting training required to detect test characteristics

communicating effectively with panellists who have diverse cultural and social backgrounds

thoroughly analysing routine sensory analysis data and evaluating the results

recording and reporting the significance of results, including the discussion of any errors and/or unexpected variation to appropriate personnel

following workplace safety procedures.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

anatomy, physiology and functions of taste and smell

the primary flavour characteristics of sweet/sour, umamic and bitter/salty

interaction of sensory activity, such as the interaction between taste and smell, and effect of temperature on samples

associated characteristics of mouth feel and appearance

consumer research methods

information used to select suitable panellists, such as:

workplace procedures, including selection criteria

whether people have been trained or not

information from an initial screening questionnaire

availability

characteristics of unsuitable people, such as smokers

sources of bias

principles of descriptive, discriminative and affective sensory analysis methods

principles of effective control of the sensory testing environment, such as conditions that can dull sensitivity

attributes of panellists which could affect the results, such as:

age, gender and ethnicity

smoking

medications

qualifications and trained/untrained

random panel

cultural food preferences/food styles

likely causes of variation in results and their control

work health and safety(WHS) and environment requirements.

Judgment of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL925001 Analyse data and report results

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of written reports, which include an analysis of findings from sensory tests, conducted by the candidate

observation of candidate conducting panel tests

responses to market scenarios and/or case studies

written/oral questions to assess required knowledge.

Access is required to samples, instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

statistical data sheets and charts, logbooks and scientific calculators

relevant ISO Standards and Australian Standards

a sensory evaluation panel room and group of panellists.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience.

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Select panellists/individuals for sensory analysis

1.1

Perform initial screening of potential panellists/individuals based on the testing brief

1.2

Use information to select suitable people

1.3

Analyse and report the results used to establish a panel

2

Prepare panellists for sensory analysis

2.1

Prepare panellists for sensory analysis

2.2

Conduct any training required to detect test characteristics

2.3

Instruct panellists on recording and reporting requirements of test data

3

Prepare samples for sensory analysis

3.1

Prepare reference samples to be used for the sensory analysis specification

3.2

Prepare evaluation samples to sensory analysis specification

3.3

Apply food safety procedures in the preparation and presentation of samples

3.4

Identify and report on any defects or abnormalities in samples

4

Conduct routine sensory analysis

4.1

Select appropriate test materials for the information required

4.2

Ensure tests are conducted according to workplace procedures

4.3

Analyse data

4.4

Report on process and results in accordance with workplace procedures

5

Evaluate and report findings

5.1

Assess the possible effects of group attributes

5.2

Review reliability of results for group bias

5.3

Complete all relevant documentation and present findings

6

Maintain a safe work environment

6.1

Use established work practices to ensure personal safety and that of other personnel

6.2

Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts

6.3

Ensure the safe collection of laboratory waste for subsequent disposal

6.4

Care for and store equipment and reagents as required

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements include the latest version of one or more of:

Australian and international standards covering the requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, laboratory safety and quality management

national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice, and national measurement regulations and guidelines

industry-specific Australian Standards covering sensory analysis, assessing odour and taint, and assessing modifications to the flavour of foodstuffs due to packaging

workplace documents, such as SOPs; quality and equipment manuals; calibration and maintenance schedules; material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety procedures; material, production and product specifications; production and laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; and waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures

sampling plans and procedures (labelling, preparation, storage, transport and disposal)

test procedures (validated and authorised), and sensory analysis criteria

Samples

Samples include one or more of:

raw materials, ingredients, final products, packaging materials, and materials which come in contact with the product

materials at stages of production

process aids and adjuncts

Tests

Tests are performed to:

determine sample appearance, texture, aroma and flavour

Testing methods

Testing methods include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

triangular test, duo-trio test, ranking test, paired comparison test and blending test

flavour profile

threshold analysis

discriminative testing, descriptive testing and affective testing

The results obtained from the sensory analysis

The results obtained from the sensory analysis are applied to one or more of:

marketing studies

purchasing requirements

quality assurance at various stages of production

quality control and troubleshooting

research and development of new products

customer returns

product recalls

WHS and environmental management requirements

WHS and environmental management requirements include:

· complying with WHS and environmental management requirements at all times, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation. These requirements must not be compromised at any time

· applying standard precautions relating to the potentially hazardous nature of samples

accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health, where relevant

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

setting up and coordinating at least one (1) sensory analysis

selecting appropriate test procedures

developing and using questionnaires

preparing evaluation samples by dosing or processing

ensuring samples are in a suitable condition for analysis

performing initial screening of panellists and determining their suitability

selecting suitable panellists

conducting training required to detect test characteristics

communicating effectively with panellists who have diverse cultural and social backgrounds

thoroughly analysing routine sensory analysis data and evaluating the results

recording and reporting the significance of results, including the discussion of any errors and/or unexpected variation to appropriate personnel

following workplace safety procedures.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

anatomy, physiology and functions of taste and smell

the primary flavour characteristics of sweet/sour, umamic and bitter/salty

interaction of sensory activity, such as the interaction between taste and smell, and effect of temperature on samples

associated characteristics of mouth feel and appearance

consumer research methods

information used to select suitable panellists, such as:

workplace procedures, including selection criteria

whether people have been trained or not

information from an initial screening questionnaire

availability

characteristics of unsuitable people, such as smokers

sources of bias

principles of descriptive, discriminative and affective sensory analysis methods

principles of effective control of the sensory testing environment, such as conditions that can dull sensitivity

attributes of panellists which could affect the results, such as:

age, gender and ethnicity

smoking

medications

qualifications and trained/untrained

random panel

cultural food preferences/food styles

likely causes of variation in results and their control

work health and safety(WHS) and environment requirements.

Judgment of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL925001 Analyse data and report results

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of written reports, which include an analysis of findings from sensory tests, conducted by the candidate

observation of candidate conducting panel tests

responses to market scenarios and/or case studies

written/oral questions to assess required knowledge.

Access is required to samples, instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

statistical data sheets and charts, logbooks and scientific calculators

relevant ISO Standards and Australian Standards

a sensory evaluation panel room and group of panellists.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience.

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Perform initial screening of potential panellists/individuals based on the testing brief 
Use information to select suitable people 
Analyse and report the results used to establish a panel 
Prepare panellists for sensory analysis 
Conduct any training required to detect test characteristics 
Instruct panellists on recording and reporting requirements of test data 
Prepare reference samples to be used for the sensory analysis specification 
Prepare evaluation samples to sensory analysis specification 
Apply food safety procedures in the preparation and presentation of samples 
Identify and report on any defects or abnormalities in samples 
Select appropriate test materials for the information required 
Ensure tests are conducted according to workplace procedures 
Analyse data 
Report on process and results in accordance with workplace procedures 
Assess the possible effects of group attributes 
Review reliability of results for group bias 
Complete all relevant documentation and present findings 
Use established work practices to ensure personal safety and that of other personnel 
Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts 
Ensure the safe collection of laboratory waste for subsequent disposal 
Care for and store equipment and reagents as required 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSL975005 - Conduct sensory analysis
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

MSL975005 - Conduct sensory analysis

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: