Standardization News

A proposed new ASTM International guide will standardize sensory practices currently being used in the oral care products industry. The proposed standard, WK34772, Guide for Sensory Evaluation of Oral Care Products, is being developed by Subcommittee E18.07 on Personal Care and Household Evaluation, which is part of ASTM International Committee E18 on Sensory Evaluation of Materials and Products.

"This proposed standard will allow companies to document the sensory properties, such as flavor and texture, of toothpastes to aid in making decisions in product design, improvement, maintenance, marketing, claims and other areas," says Jason Newlon, Ph.D., chairman of the task group developing WK34772. "The document will be expanded in the future to include other oral care products such as a oral rinses, dental floss, denture adhesive, whitening products and toothbrushes."

Once approved, the proposed standard will be used by sensory practitioners, research and development organizations, consumer research practitioners and others who are interested in the evaluation of oral care products. All interested parties are invited to participate in the ongoing development of WK34772.

CONTACT Technical Information: Jason W. Newlon, Ph.D., Procter & Gamble • Cincinnati, Ohio • Phone: 513-622-3222 O ASTM Staff: Scott Orthey • Phone: 610-832-9730 O Upcoming Meeting: April 17-20 • April Committee Week • Phoenix, Ariz.