SENSORY
A Leader’s Guide to Sensory Evaluation in R&D and Quality Control
Discover how sensory evaluation supports food innovation, quality assurance, and consumer preference through data-driven sensory evaluation methods.
Physical Testing
Product quality is crucial in a robust quality assurance program. Tests measure how closely a product aligns with specific standards for food and consumer goods. Most of these tests can be classified as physical and defect testing. Food Physical Testing labs specialize in quantifying distinctive product features and capturing crucial metrics like defects or unusable products per case.
Enhance Your Product's Success: Benchmarking and Beyond
Food physical testing can also be utilized to gauge a product's performance against its rivals, a process known as benchmarking. By conducting head-to-head comparisons using a range of physical tests, distinct points of differentiation can be identified. These unique characteristics can then be optimized to craft exceptional, award-winning products. Mérieux NutriSciences offers physical testing services across four convenient locations in North America. Our comprehensive physical testing includes various techniques and analyses designed to ensure the highest quality standards for your products.
Food and Beverage
| Dimensions | Texture Analysis | Inclusions |
| Weights | Viscosity | Piece Counts |
| Glaze % | Hunter LAB Color | Cook Yield |
| Product Specific Defects | Broken / Unusable Pieces | Melt Tests |
| Sieve Analysis | Breading % | Package Closure |
Consumer Goods
| Absorbency (feminine hygiene, incontinence, diapers) | Household Cleaner Performance |
| Laundry Detergent Stain Removal/Performance | Dishwashing (automatic and hand) Performance |
| Laundry Softener Performance |
Food Sensory Resources
INGREDIENTS
Understanding Shelf Life and Stability in Food Products
Explore shelf life and stability in food science. Learn how formulation, packaging, and storage impact safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
SENSORY
Food and Mood: Exploring the Sensory Connection
Discover how sensory perceptions of food and drink can influence mood and explore the science behind emotional connections with what we consume.
Physical Testing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do ISO accreditations impact the reliability of physical food testing?
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ISO 17025 accreditation is the global benchmark for laboratory competence. For our partners, this ensures that every measurement—from viscosity to texture analysis—is performed using validated methods and calibrated instrumentation. This level of technical rigor ensures that your product specifications are legally defensible and globally recognized, reducing the risk of costly recalls or supply chain disputes.
What physical testing is required for food packaging integrity and compliance?
Packaging must do more than hold a product; it must protect its sensory and safety profile. We perform rigorous testing for seal integrity, burst strength, and oxygen transmission rates. These analyses ensure your packaging meets regulatory standards and withstands the physical demands of the supply chain without compromising the product's quality or shelf life.
When should a food brand engage a physical testing consultant during product development?
Engagement should begin during the formulation stage, especially when substituting ingredients or changing suppliers. Our technical consultants help you establish "Gold Standard" benchmarks, ensuring that any changes in texture, snap, or viscosity are caught in the lab before they reach the consumer. This proactive approach ensures your brand's technical specifications remain consistent throughout the product lifecycle.
Establish Your Brand’s Technical Gold Standard
From raw ingredient substitutions to final product validation, our physical testing laboratory provides the objective benchmarks needed to protect your brand’s integrity and ensure long-term consistency.