Sensory analysis lab: practical requirements for the perfect facility

A dedicated sensory analysis lab, maybe one we built specifically for the purpose, is a luxury that only research centers and large companies can afford. Sensory labs can have different layouts, but most of the times they are divided in three large areas:

  • one for the analysis sessions, whether collective or in cabins
  • one dedicated to the preparation/transformation of the samples
  • one reserved for offices and services

Most of the time, in a company environment, a sensory analysis testing area is adapted in existing premises, maybe shared with other activities. This solution can act as a valid alternative provided that some fundamental requirements are met in order to guarantee that the testing sessions are carried out rigorously. Here we describe the most important ones.