ReviewConsumer studies on sensory acceptability of boar taint: A review

Boar taint can be found in meat from boars and affects consumer acceptability of pork. The aim of this review is: (1) to describe different aspects of the existing methodologies used in consumer studies when evaluating boar taint from a sensory point of view, (2) to draw conclusions on different studies regarding the acceptability of meat from entire males, and (3) to discuss a possible harmonization of the different aspects to be considered when performing consumer studies on boar taint. This paper focuses on different aspects of studies previously carried out such as the country of assessment, the location of the test, the cooking procedure, the type of meat samples evaluated, the attributes and scales used, consumer profile, the results obtained, and the effect of androstenone sensitivity of the consumers on boar meat acceptability. A discussion on the possibility of a harmonization of the different aspects is also performed and final remarks and considerations have been drawn.

► High variability in all the methodological aspects of boar taint consumer studies. ► Some methodological aspects could be harmonized to allow comparison between studies. ► Stop castration and boar production could reduce consumer acceptability of pork. ► Boar meat acceptability is lower in androstenone sensitive consumers. ► Skatole plays an important role in boar meat acceptability.