A descriptive analysis (DA) was performed with an 11-
member panel. The appearance and odour attributes of the
roast beef slices were evaluated. Panellists were trained for
the first 3 d in order to improve their ability to recognize
and identify the different sensory attributes. During
training, panellists generated descriptors through consensus
after being exposed to the samples and were trained to
use a 10-cm unstructured line scale using Compusenses
five (2002) in individual white testing sensory booths.
Before the test, samples were placed on plates, wrapped
with PVC film to minimize odour from specific antimicrobial
solutions and tempered at room temperature for
30 min. Each sample plate was numbered with 3 digit
random codes generated from a random number chart. For
appearance (wet, brown, grey) evaluation, samples were
first viewed with the PVC film on under combined
fluorescent lighting and sunlight. The PVC films were then
removed and samples were evaluated for odour attributes
(beefy, roast, off-odour). All five samples were presented to
the panellists at one time. DA was conducted at 0, 2 and 4 d
since samples generally exhibited unacceptable off-odors
and slime after 5 d of refrigerated storage.