Sensory Evaluation Program - Fee Schedule

Sensory evaluation	$ 350.00 per day, plus Panellist Compensation
Engineering services	$ 350.00 per day
Technical consultations	$ 350.00 per day
Benchtop development by AAF Staff	$ 350.00 per day
Benchtop development by Client Staff	$ 200.00 per day
Pilot plant development	$ 500.00 per day
Interim processing	$ 500.00 - $ 1,200 per day
Post processing cleaning	$ 25.00 per person per hour
Handling and storage	$ 0.10 per kg per day
Seminars and demonstrations	Cost plus 10%

Daily rates are based upon a 7.25 hour day.

These fees apply to Alberta companies or companies that have processing facilities in Alberta. Fees for out-of-province clients will be negotiated prior to signing a contract, but in most cases will be double those quoted above.

Sensory Evaluation
In-house, trained panels are used for quality assurance, shelf life and research studies while consumer panels are used to gauge the acceptability relative to competing products on the market. Consumer panels generally involve approximately 75 consumers. Panel costs are based upon the amount of time Centre Scientists spend on each project.

Consultation Services
Centre Scientists or Engineers may provide these services. The charges relate to the time spent on a contracted project and can apply to work done at the Centre or at the client's facility. Consultation outside of the Centre seldom occurs due to the preponderance of the to be done on-site.

Benchtop Development
This refers to the use of the laboratory or test kitchen for product development. Clients may use the facility on their own, or with assistance from a Centre Scientist or Engineer (note the difference in fees).

Pilot Plant Development
This refers to the use of the pilotplant for the commercialization of products under development or the production of products for test market purposes. The assistance of Technologists skilled in the use of the Centre's equipment is included in this fee. The Food Processing Development Centre's pilot plant is licensed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency as a meat processing facility, as a dairy plant, and under the Canada Processed Foods Act/Processed Fruit and Vegetable Regulations.

Interim Processing
This refers to pilot plant use for a specified period of time beyond the developmental period. Clients may contract the use of the pilot plant to manufacture their products for the market while their own facilities are being upgraded or constructed. The daily fee will depend upon the complexity of the process and the amount and kind of space utilized. All costs related to the manufacture, packaging and distribution of the products produced in the pilot plant, including cleaning and sanitation, are the responsibility of the client.

Post Processing Cleaning
Fees are charged to recover the Centre's cost of contracted cleaning services required to meet regulatory requirements. These fees apply only when the contracting of outside cleaners is necesssary.

Handling and Storage
Storage of finished products in a controlled temperature environment and of dry goods is limited by the space available. Fees will be applied only when excessive amounts or lengths of storage occur.

Sensory Evaluation Program - Fee Schedule

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