BS ISO 20784:2021

What is ISO 20784 about?  

ISO 20784 guidelines for substantiating sensory claims on food and non-food products and their packaging for advertising consumer-packaged goods. 

ISO 20784 differentiates sensory claims from other types of claims. It provides classification and examples of the distinct types of sensory claims. It highlights special issues associated with testing to substantiate sensory claims. It includes case studies and references. 

Note: ISO 20784 does not apply to: 

• Specific or detailed requirements for different test methods that are used to support sensory claims 
• Factual claims regarding a product’s country of origin, ingredients, processing, and nutritional components 
• Factual claims regarding the technical features of the product 
• Claims regarding a product’s health, medical or therapeutic benefits, physiological effects, structure, or function benefits when consumed or applied to the human body 
• Claims based on instrumental assessments of the attributes or performance of a product (i.e., instrumental assessments; in this case, test methods are used in which no human participant evaluates the product and/or no human participant provides a response to a product) 
• Claims about services (e.g., a house cleaning service, airline services, automobile services) 
• Claims about large/slow-moving consumer goods (autos, refrigerators, stoves, etc.) 

Who is ISO 20784 for? 

ISO 20784 on sensory claim substantiation is useful for: 

• Food processing industries 
• Sensory and consumer testing communities 
• Advertising and marketing professionals 
• Research and quality control departments 

Why should you use ISO 20784? 

Product claims are designed to inform the audience of potential buyers or the general population of users about the product characteristics, differentiate the product from its competitors, and influence the buying decision. 

ISO 20784 provides you with a framework to be considered when planning studies designed to support a sensory claim to consumers. ISO 20784 specifies the principles to be followed, defines the key terms, provides a classification scheme with examples, and provides case studies for diverse types of claims. ISO 20784 guidelines help you to support sensory claims on a scientific basis.  

In conclusion, ISO 20784 enables you to conduct research in a manner that provides competent and reliable evidence to support a claim.