SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Manufacture a sterilised food product by means of a steri-tower 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
123350  Manufacture a sterilised food product by means of a steri-tower 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Food Manufacturing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  20 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
9200  Sterilise a liquid dairy product in a steri-tower  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for anyone who manufactures and sterilises a food product by means of a steri-tower. Packaging of the formulated product is excluded.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the manufacturing of sterilised food products.
  • Prepare to manufacture a sterilised food product by the application of a steri-tower.
  • Manufacture a sterilised food product by the application of a steri-tower.
  • Perform end of manufacturing procedures.

    This unit standard will contribute to the full development of the learner within the food manufacturing environment by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability within the field of manufacturing and assembly. The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and upliftment within the food manufacturing and processing environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Description of required skills:
  • Communication and mathematical literacy at NQF Level 3.
  • Representative sampling for quality control purposes.
  • Cleaning-in-place and cleaning out-of-place. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The context of this unit standard includes two-stage steri-towers.

    In the context of this unit standard manufacturing includes product formulation, pre-sterilisation, handling of the aseptic tank (where applicable) and sterilisation in a steri-tower, but excludes packaging. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the manufacturing of sterilised food products. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Food sterilisation is defined according to standard food principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of sterilising food products is explained according to standard food principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The explanation refers to:
  • Health and legal regulations regarding pathogens and permitted microbial counts,
  • Effect of sterilising on the shelf life.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The effects of sterilising on the compositional and sensory quality of food products are explained according to standard food principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The logarithmic reduction of spores and micro-organisms in sterilised food products is explained according to standard food and microbiological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The difference between single- and two-stage tower sterilising is explained according to standard food principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The difference between a vertical and horizontal steri-tower is explained according to standard food principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The difference between sterilising in a steri-tower and sterilising in an autoclave (retort) is explained according to standard food principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The application of an aseptic tank is explained according to standard food principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The explanation refers to:
  • The function,
  • Operating principles.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The purpose and importance of pre-sterilisation is explained according to standard food principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The operating principles of the site-specific steri-tower are explained according to standard food principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    The components of the site-specific steri-tower are identified and the function of each component is explained according to standard food principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    The relevant raw materials are identified and the function of each is explained according to standard food and quality principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
    The requirements of the specific raw materials are identified and reasons for the requirements are explained according to standard food and quality principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
    The factors that influence the efficiency of mixing (where applicable) are identified and its importance is explained according to standard food and quality principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Factors include:
  • Correct quantities of raw materials.
  • Specific sequence during mixing.
  • Correct mixing rate.
  • Importance of temperature during mixing.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to manufacture a sterilised food product by the application of a steri-tower. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The production plan is obtained and interpreted according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Personal preparation is done according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Preparations include:
  • Hygiene practices.
  • Wearing of protective clothing and safety gear.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The equipment and work area are prepared according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Raw materials are obtained and checked according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Mixing of raw materials during product formulation (where applicable) is carried out according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The mixture conforms to site-specifications and is released accordingly and according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The relevant parameters are set according to standard operating procedures and site specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The reasons for specific values of the different parameters are explained according to standard food principles and the manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The equipment is started up according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Problems during formulation and start up are solved within scope of work. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Manufacture a sterilised food product by the application of a steri-tower. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Manufacturing is done by means of a two-stage steri-tower. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A sterilised product is manufactured according to standard operating procedures and safety requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Manufacturing includes:
  • Product formulation.
  • Pre-sterilisation.
  • Operation of the aseptic tank (where applicable)
  • Sterlisation.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Equipment is handled according to standard operating procedures and safety requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Parameters for sterilisation are monitored and controlled according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Samples are taken and are sent for analysis according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Results of sample analysis are interpreted and a conclusion is drawn on the composition of the final product and the efficiency of sterilisation in terms of legal and site specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The sterilised product conforms to legal requirements and site-specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Sub-standard products are handled according to standard operating procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Where a steri-tower is operated simultaneously with other manufacturing actions or processes, it is synchronized according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Problems are solved within scope of work. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform end of manufacturing procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A changeover is performed according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    First line maintenance is performed according to standard operating procedures and within scope of work. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    First line maintenance includes:
  • Cleaning and sanitising of equipment and work area.
  • Inspection of equipment.
  • All other maintenance functions as required within the learner's scope of work.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Records of the manufacturing process are kept in accordance with standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The equipment is shut down according to standard operating procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor or moderator respectively with the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance Body (ETQA), or with another ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA, or with another ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA, or by another ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal (provider-based) and external (ETQA-based) moderation of assessment, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment against this unit standard should encompass achievement of competencies described in the individual unit standard and may encompass achievement of integrated competencies with other unit standard(s).
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected within the assessment criteria of each specific outcome. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which response displays that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made by:
  • Identifying and solving problems during start up, operation and shut down of a steri-tower.

    Specific outcomes: 2, 3
  • Prepare to manufacture a sterilised food product by the application of a steri-tower.
  • Manufacture a sterilised food product by the application of a steri-tower. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by:
  • Synchronising sterilising with other manufacturing actions or processes.

    Specific outcomes: 3
  • Manufacture a sterilised food product by the application of a steri-tower. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Preparing for sterilising.

    Specific outcomes: 2
  • Prepare to manufacture a sterilised food product by the application of a steri-tower. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Evaluating the efficiency of sterilising.

    Specific outcomes: 3
  • Manufacture a sterilised food product by the application of a steri-tower. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations by:
  • Monitoring and recording the sterilising process.

    Specific outcomes: 3,4
  • Manufacture a sterilised food product by the application of a steri-tower.
  • Perform end of manufacturing procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Cleaning and sanitising the equipment,

    Specific outcomes: 4

    Perform end of manufacturing procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation by:
  • Solving problems within scope of work.

    Specific outcomes: 2, 3
  • Prepare to manufacture a sterilised food product by the application of a steri-tower.
  • Manufacture a sterilised food product by the application of a steri-tower. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large.

    Specific outcomes: refer to all
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the manufacturing of sterilised food products.
  • Prepare to manufacture a sterilised food product by the application of a steri-tower.
  • Manufacture a sterilised food product by the application of a steri-tower.
  • Perform end of manufacturing procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 9200, "Sterilise a liquid dairy product in a steri-tower", Level 4, 12 credits.

    Supplementary Information:

    Legal requirements:

    Where applicable, the following acts, current and future regulations and amendments should be considered:
  • Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, No. 54 of 1972,
  • Health Act, No 63 of 1977,
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act, No. 85 of 1993,
  • Other industry specific Acts.

    Where applicable, the following International and National Standards should be considered:
  • SANS 1049 - Food Hygiene Management,
  • SANS 10330 - Requirements for a HACCP system,
  • ISO 22000 - Food safety management systems - Requirements for organisations throughout the food chain,
  • ISO 9001 - Quality Management System - Requirements.

    Definition of terms within this unit standard:

    Terminology:
  • Standard operating procedures

    Clarification/ explanation/ definition: Refer to company procedures, prescribed procedures from the manufacturer, personal safety and food safety practices and procedures, good manufacturing practices, best practices, applicable legislation, time frames, recipes and specifications.

    Where the term food is used, beverage is also implied. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  50306   Further Education and Training Certificate: Dairy Manufacturing Technology  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2018-07-26  FOODBEV 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.