Services:
The Garrison Sensory Evaluation Laboratory conducts scientific testing for MSU faculty and students’ food product research.
In addition to research, the laboratory also does contract work for private companies in the food and consumer products industries who desire scientifically conducted, unbiased sensory evaluations of their products.
For more information please contact:
Dr. Jason Behrends
Office: 204 Herzer
Email: jbehrends@fsnhp.msstate.edu
Phone: 662-325-0485
Dr. Wes Schilling
Office: Room 104, Herzer Building
Email: Schilling@foodscience.msstate.edu
Phone: (662) 325-2666
Services and Tests
The laboratory offers a wide range of sensory evaluation and consumer testing, including the following general testing procedures:
• Ranking Responses
• Affective Testing: Consumer Acceptance Tests
• Difference Testing
• Attribute Difference Testing
• Quality Maintenance Studies
• Descriptive Analysis Techniques
• Time-Intensity Studies
• Threshold Determinations
• Statistical Methodology and Techniques: Interpretation
• Complete Results Reports
These and other tests are customized to meet specific customer needs. Complete confidentiality is maintained for all product analyses.
Panelists
The Garrison Sensory Evaluation Laboratory draws upon a large database of pre-screened panelists from within the very broad socio, economic, ethnic and cultural population within the university and surrounding region for consumer panels.
The Garrison Sensory Evaluation Laboratory also has a group of dedicated, expert panelists available for detailed analysis of products through methods such as Descriptive Analysis techniques. Currently there are trained descriptive analysis panelists for meat products, dairy products, select frozen foods, various agricultural commodities, and seafood products to mention a few.
Facility
After nearly a decade of research, the sensory evaluation program at Mississippi State University recently expanded into a new facility. The approximately 3,000 square foot facility is equipped to conduct a variety of sensory evaluations on food and consumer products. The laboratory contains a reception area, offices, test kitchens with professional food service equipment, a laboratory area for common analyses and tests, two descriptive analysis areas, and testing booths, which are perhaps the most unique element of the laboratory. The European-designed testing booths allow test samples to be passed through “breadbox” doors to the panelists. This technique reduces the influence of outside factors on panelists during an evaluation. The testing booths feature controlled, colored lighting, and the laboratory is climate controlled.
Fees
Fees are based on the complexity of the test, the number of desired panelists, and the degree of difficulty of the panel. The fee for the panel includes panelist recruitment and selection, design of questionnaire, sample storage and preparation, data collection, data analysis, compilation of results in detailed report, panelists’ incentives, and any miscellaneous requirements as specified.
Contact
Contact the Garrison Sensory Evaluation Laboratory today to learn more about the sensory evaluation services available.
Garrison Sensory Evaluation Laboratory
Box 9805
Mississippi State, MS 39762
(662) 325-3200
sensorylab@foodscience.msstate.edu
