A Method for GC–Olfactometry Panel Training

Odor-active compounds are commonly analyzed using gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC–O). However, there are only limited guidelines available for panelist training with this technique. In the current study, 29 volunteers were trained to detect, describe, and rate the intensity of odors. In addition, three GC–O methods, i.e., aroma extraction dilution method, detection frequency, and posterior intensity (PI), were used to evaluate the newly trained panelists’ ability to analyze key compounds of kvass (fermented nonalcoholic drink) aroma. A five-step approach is proposed for training as follows: (1) introduction of the method; (2) vocabulary training using standard compounds and learning the use of the scale; (3) training with the reference mixture A; (4) training with the real product of interest—the beverage kvass; and (5) monitoring and further training of the panel. Following these steps, all panelists learned how to perform GC–O analysis. Some variances among subjects were observed; however, the background of the trainees was found to be insignificant. Assessors for the “professional” GC–O panel were chosen for further training and included people with a sensory and food science background, but also ordinary consumers. The PI method, where subjects rate odor intensity after a peak eluted, was found to provide a sufficient amount of data for key compound analysis. The method enabled easy data handling, provided valuable feedback for panel monitoring, and aided in the selection process to decide which assessors would be suitable for further training and placement on a professional panel.