Quality Control & Sensory Program Management Flashcards

In a sensory QC program, which method rates each production sample's distance from an internal reference using a single scale?

Answer: Degree of Difference (DOD) rating

DOD rating scores how far each sample departs from a control on one scale, making it efficient for routine QC.

A plant uses 'In/Out' (go/no-go) QC judgments. What is the main prerequisite for this method to work reliably?

Answer: Panelists need clear training on the boundaries of acceptable product

In/Out judgments depend on panelists sharing a calibrated concept of the acceptable product range.

Which approach best establishes sensory specifications for a QC program?

Answer: Link trained-panel attribute ranges to consumer acceptance data

Specifications are most defensible when trained-panel ranges are tied to what consumers find acceptable.

When a QC panel's mean score for a control sample drifts upward over several months, what is the most appropriate action?

Answer: Recalibrate the panel against references and review panel performance

Drift in control scores signals panel calibration issues that call for retraining with references.

In a Comprehensive Descriptive QC method, what is typically evaluated?

Answer: Key attributes rated on intensity against reference standards

Comprehensive descriptive QC rates intensities of critical attributes relative to references to detect specific deviations.

Which control chart is commonly used to monitor mean sensory scores of production batches over time?

Answer: X-bar chart

X-bar charts track the process mean against control limits to flag out-of-control batches.

What is the main purpose of a 'gold standard' or control sample in a sensory QC program?

Answer: To provide a consistent reference for comparing production samples

A control sample gives panelists a stable point of comparison for judging production deviations.