[F18. TEST CONDITIONS U.K.
8.1. Presentation of the sample U.K.
The oil sample for analysis shall be presented in standardised tasting glasses conforming to the standard IOC/T.20/Doc. No 5 ‘ Glass for oil tasting ’ .
The glass shall contain 14–16 ml of oil, or between 12,8 and 14,6 g if the samples are to be weighed, and shall be covered with a watch-glass.
Each glass shall be marked with a code made up of digits or a combination of letters and digits chosen at random. The code will be marked by means of an odourfree system.
8.2. Test and sample temperature U.K.
The oil samples intended for tasting shall be kept in the glasses at 28 °C ± 2 °C throughout the test. This temperature has been chosen because it makes it easier to observe organoleptic differences than at ambient temperature and because at lower temperatures the aromatic compounds peculiar to these oils volatilise poorly while higher temperatures lead to the formation of volatile compounds peculiar to heated oils. See the standard IOC/T.20/Doc. No 5 ‘ Glass for Oil Tasting ’ for the method which has to be used for heating the samples when in the glass.
The test room must be at a temperature between 20 ° and 25 °C (see IOC/T.20/Doc. No 6).
8.3. Test times U.K.
The morning is the best time for tasting oils. It has been proved that there are optimum perception periods as regards taste and smell during the day. Meals are preceded by a period in which olfactory–gustatory sensitivity increases, whereas afterwards this perception decreases.
However, this criterion should not be taken to the extreme where hunger may distract the tasters, thus decreasing their discriminatory capacity; therefore, it is recommended to hold the tasting sessions between 10.00 in the morning and 12 noon.
8.4. Tasters: general rules of conduct U.K.
The following recommendations apply to the conduct of the tasters during their work.
When called by the panel leader to participate in an organoleptic test, tasters should be able to attend at the time set beforehand and shall observe the following:
They shall not smoke or drink coffee at least 30 minutes before the time set for the test.
They must not have used any fragrance, cosmetic or soap whose smell could linger until the time of the test. They must use an unperfumed soap to wash their hands which they shall then rinse and dry as often as necessary to eliminate any smell.
They shall fast at least one hour before the tasting is carried out.
Should they feel physically unwell, and in particular if their sense of smell or taste is affected, or if they are under any psychological effect that prevents them from concentrating on their work, the tasters shall refrain from tasting and shall inform the panel leader accordingly.
When they have complied with the above, the tasters shall take up their place in the booth allotted to them in an orderly, quiet manner.
They shall carefully read the instructions given on the profile sheet and shall not begin to examine the sample until fully prepared for the task they have to perform (relaxed and unhurried). If any doubts should arise, they should consult the panel leader in private.
They must remain silent while performing their tasks.
They must keep their mobile phone switched off at all times to avoid interfering with the concentration and work of their colleagues.]