ASTM E 3528 : 2026

1.1This guide covers products with chemesthetic heat sensations where the perception is derived from chemical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve in the nasal or oral cavity and are colloquially described as spicy, pungent, acrid, irritation, or burn. However, as there are no agreed-upon definitions for these qualitative terms, they will not be discussed in this document.

1.2It provides considerations for the preparation and sensory evaluation of consumable ingredients, food, and beverages with this property, including but not limited to, chili peppers, ginger, black pepper, horseradish, ethyl alcohol, mustard, and wasabi.

1.3This guide covers the considerations for fresh, dried, and extracted products along with finished applications testing.

1.4Analytical instrumental measures, hedonic sensory measures, and the correlation of sensory with analytical measures for these heat sensations are outside the scope of this guide. Products applied topically, like cosmetics and lotions or creams, are outside the scope of this guide. Cleaning products are outside the scope of this guide.

1.5This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.