Gunnar Hall

Dynamic analyses of sensory and microstructural properties of cream cheese

Flavour and texture in cream cheese depend on the microstructure. The objective of this work was to study the influence of fat content, salt content and homogenisation pressure on the microstructur ...

Sensory Design of Foods for the Elderly

Background/Aims:Elderly persons with dysphagia need food that requires little or no chewing, that is easy to swallow and has attractive sensory characteristics. The aim was to investigate how ingredients varied according to experimental designs influence the perceived sensory, chewing and swallowing characteristics of two types of texture-modified model foods. Methods: Meat- and carrot-based, texture-modified model foods were produced. The following parameters were varied: particle size, fat content, starch and egg composition. The samples were studied using sensory analyses, focus group discussions and consumer studies. Results: The design parameters mainly had an impact on sensory texture attributes. The experts in the focus groups selected three products of each type which were regarded as being optimal for older persons. All the products contained a high proportion of egg yolk and a low amount of starch. Older consumers considered all the selected products to be easy to chew and swallow. The differences between older persons in nursing homes compared to those living in their own homes could be linked to health. Conclusions: Optimization of factors influencing food quality through the use of experimental designs in combination with sensory and consumer studies is required in order to meet the needs and demands of older people.

Effect of barium sulfate contrast medium on rheology and sensory texture attributes in a model food

Background: The swallowing process can be visualized using videoradiography, by mixing food with contrast medium, e.g., barium sulfate (BaSO4), making it radiopaque. The sensory properties of foods may be affected by adding this medium. Purpose: To evaluate if and to what extent sensory and rheological characteristics of mango purée were altered by adding barium sulfate to the food. Material and Methods: This study evaluated four food samples based on mango purée, with no or added barium sulfate contrast medium (0%, 12.5%, 25.0%, and 37.5%), by a radiographic method, and measured sensory texture properties and rheological characteristics. The sensory evaluation was performed by an external trained panel using quantitative descriptive analysis. The ease of swallowing the foods was also evaluated. Results: The sensory texture properties of mango purée were significantly affected by the added barium in all evaluated attributes, as was the perception of particles. Moreover, ease of swallowing was significantly higher in the sample without added contrast medium. All samples decreased in extensional viscosity with increasing extension rate, i.e., all samples were tension thinning. Shear viscosity was not as dependent on the concentration of BaSO4 as extensional viscosity. Conclusion: Addition of barium sulfate to a model food of mango purée has a major impact on perceived sensory texture attributes as well as on rheological parameters.

Modelling and analysis of dynamic sensory data

Abstract Time intensity (TI) data from earlier reported studies on cream cheese and salad dressing were used to develop models based on both polynomials and ordinary differential equations (ODE) that can be used to describe and interpret TI-data. Polynomials were thus fitted to experimental data. By taking the first and second derivatives of the polynomials one gets new polynomials that express how the perceived intensity changes with time. By integrating the original polynomial one gets a new polynomial that expresses how the classical TI-parameter “Area Under the Curve” is accumulated with time. Graphical display of all these types of polynomials gives an immediate and easily interpretable impression of the influence of different experimental factors on the time dependent perception. In the ODE models experimental factors, both formula and process conditions, were taken into account. Thus it was possible to develop equations that can be used for prediction of TI-curves for intermediate experimental settings.

Outcomes of the Nutri-Senex Project: A Co-Ordination Action Funded by the European Commission

This project’s primary aim is to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of the elderly. The state of the art in age-related research and technology, to highlight the most promising areas for development, has been documented in an extensive literature report. A research database has been established to map current research activities within the European research area. Through several expert group meetings with representatives from universities, research institutions, organizations concerned with the care of the elderly, and industry, suitable technologies and policies that can improve the diet of the elderly have been identified. A legislation survey relating to aspects of nutrition of the elderly has been carried out. A set of guidelines and recommendations of best practice for use in the health and care industry have been developed. The project’s results are disseminated through an enhanced website, technology transfer workshops and a staff training program. Good communication between the partners has been promoted and permanent research links have been forged. The main outputs will lead to better co-ordinated European research: less duplication of effort, more rapid commercialization, increased awareness of the problems faced by the elderly, improved guidelines and recommendations for health care professionals and policymakers.

Sensory Characterization of Odors in Used Disposable Absorbent Incontinence Products

PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to characterize the odors of used incontinence products by descriptive analysis and to define attributes to be used in the analysis. A further objective was to investigate to what extent the odor profiles of used incontinence products differed from each other and, if possible, to group these profiles into classes. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: Used incontinence products were collected from 14 residents with urinary incontinence living in geriatric nursing homes in the Gothenburg area, Sweden. METHODS: Pieces were cut from the wet area of used incontinence products. They were placed in glass bottles and kept frozen until odor analysis was completed. A trained panel consisting of 8 judges experienced in this area of investigation defined terminology for odor attributes. The intensities of these attributes in the used products were determined by descriptive odor analysis. Data were analyzed both by analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey post hoc test and by principal component analysis and cluster analysis. RESULTS: An odor wheel, with 10 descriptive attributes, was developed. The total odor intensity, and the intensities of the attributes, varied considerably between different, used incontinence products. The typical odors varied from “sweetish” to “urinal,” “ammonia,” and “smoked.” Cluster analysis showed that the used products, based on the quantitative odor data, could be divided into 5 odor classes with different profiles. CONCLUSIONS: The used products varied considerably in odor character and intensity. Findings suggest that odors in used absorptive products are caused by different types of compounds that may vary in concentration.