Frequently Asked Questions
What do we do?
The Consumer Product Testing Centre (CPTC) is part of the Food and Bio Processing Division of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development ministry. The Food and Bio Processing Division works with Alberta’s agri-food industry to develop new food products and processes that help add value to Alberta’s agricultural commodities. Evaluation of many of these new food products takes place at our facilities where taste panelists sample the foods and provide their opinions. This feedback assists the product development teams to determine how acceptable these products are likely to be for the market.
How does it work?
The program maintains a secure database of people over the age of 18 who are periodically recruited to participate in taste panels. Those who meet the demographic requirements for the particular evaluation are asked to participate at a scheduled time and date.
How can I sign up to participate?
People who are interested in participating will be asked to fill out a confidential registration form so staff can contact them about upcoming panels. Please email cptc@gov.ab.ca if you would like a registration form.
**Please Note: We cannot accept individuals who have allergies to: nuts, seeds, eggs, milk, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat, mustard or sulphites
Please email the completed form to cptc@gov.ab.ca or fax it to 780-415-6270.
Where do the panels take place?
The Consumer Product Testing Centre (CPTC) is located in downtown Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Evaluations are conducted at the CPTC office as well as at the Food Processing Development Centre (FPDC) located in Leduc, Alberta, Canada. Occasionally, home use tests are conducted where panelists take home the product to evaluate in a more informal setting.
What if I do not live in the Edmonton area?
You may join our database of consumers as we are hoping to expand our capabilities in the future to include out of town, out of province and out of country evaluations.
When and how often are tests conducted?
Evaluations are conducted Monday-Friday between 8:30am and 5:00pm. There are months where we can have many panels and others with few panels.
How often can I participate?
Panel participation is normally limited to 3-4 times a year. There may be opportunities to attend more than 3-4 times a year so panelists are encouraged to apply for any panel they are interested in participating in.
How long are the sessions?
Panels usually require 10-30 minutes to complete. The panel notices you receive will always indicate how long a panel is expected to take.
Am I compensated for my time?
If confirmed to attend a panel, all participants receive a cash honorarium, starting at $10. This value may increase depending on how much time the test will take, and the type of product that is evaluated.
What kinds of products are being tested?
Some of the products we have evaluated in the past include:
- Snack products: potato chips, tortilla chips, kettle chips, snack mixes, crackers
- Meat products: beef steak, bison steak, fried chicken, chicken fingers, pork chops, deli meats
- Potatoes and potato products
- Pasta meals
- Yogurt
- Sports drinks
- Energy bars
- Chocolate
- Cookies
What is involved?
About one week before a scheduled panel, candidates are contacted and asked to fill out a screening questionnaire about general use and liking of the product to be tested, and availability on the scheduled day. If you are interested in evaluating the product type, simply complete and return the questionnaire from the link provided in the email you received. Staff review the eligibility of all those who respond and book scheduled appointments. You will receive a confirmation email if you are selected to participate. If you do not receive a confirmation for the evaluation, you have not been selected to participate.
Ingredient listings of the products will always be provided for you to review before you begin each test.
During product testing, there will be a simple questionnaire for you to fill out for each sample you evaluate. Most testing takes place in individual evaluation booths, so your opinions remain private.
Occasionally we conduct home-use tests that allow panelists to evaluate products in the comfort of their own home.
Panelist Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Be on time
- Let us know in advance if you will be late or unable to attend
- Turn your cell phone off upon arrival
- Ask a staff member if you have any questions
- Spread the word as we are always looking for new panelists
Don't:
- Eat, drink or smoke thirty minutes before your panel time – this can interfere with taste and smell perception
- Wear any perfume/cologne/body spray the day of your panel – you will be asked not to participate if any scents are detected as these scents can interfere with the evaluation
- Talk with other panelists during the evaluation – this can distract them from their evaluation task
- Bring children who cannot be left unsupervised
Additional questions:
Please direct any additional questions by email to cptc@gov.ab.ca or call us at 780-415-6268.
