Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Sensory evaluation is used to assess the quality of dairy products using scorecards.
These scorecards allocate numerical points to different sensory attributes based on their importance to consumer acceptance.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In standard dairy product scorecards (such as the American Dairy Science Association scorecard), a total of \(100\) points is distributed among key quality attributes.
The typical breakdown is as follows:
- Flavour: This is the most critical attribute for consumer acceptability. It is allocated the maximum weight, usually \(45\) points.
- Body and Texture: This attribute is allocated \(30\) points.
- Color and Appearance: This attribute is allocated \(15\) points.
- Packaging/Container: This attribute receives the remaining \(10\) points.
Because off-flavors, rancidity, or acid development can make a dairy product unpalatable, the flavour attribute is always given the highest weight on the scorecard.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The maximum marks in sensory evaluation are allotted to the Flavour attribute.