Odor interference is evaluated by what method and unit?

Odor interference is evaluated by what method and unit?

• A. Analyst sense of smell, TON
• B. Instrument detection, TON
• C. Odor interference is not considered
• D. Measured by pH

Answer: (A)

Odor interference is assessed through the analyst’s sense of smell using a dilution series, and the result is reported as a Threshold Odor Number (TON). A trained panelist smells progressively diluted samples against a reference odor to find the dilution level at which odor becomes just detectable. This human-based method is essential because odor perception is subjective and not reliably captured by instruments, and pH has no direct role in measuring odor interference.

Odor interference is assessed through the analyst’s sense of smell using a dilution series, and the result is reported as a Threshold Odor Number (TON). A trained panelist smells progressively diluted samples against a reference odor to find the dilution level at which odor becomes just detectable. This human-based method is essential because odor perception is subjective and not reliably captured by instruments, and pH has no direct role in measuring odor interference.