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: 

Freeze or chill a food product 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
8807  Freeze or chill a food product 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Food 
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 3  NQF Level 03  8 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of freezing or chilling of food products,
  • Prepare for freezing or chilling of a food product,
  • Freeze or chill a food product,
  • Perform end of freezing or chilling procedures.

    This unit standard is intended for a person working in a food environment who has the responsibility of freezing or chilling raw materials or a food product in order to extend the shelf life of the food products.

    This unit will contribute to the full development of the learner with in 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 contribute to the upliftment and economic growth within the food manufacturing and processing environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Required skills and knowledge on:
  • Cleaning procedures, handling of equipment and chemicals.
  • Representative sample taking for quality control purposes.
  • Cooling and freezing procedures and principles. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The scope of this unit standard is for a person working in a food environment who has the responsibility of freezing or chilling a food product or raw materials in order to extend the shelf life of the food products.

    In the context of this unit standard, freezing refers to block freezing or individually quick-freezing. Chilling refers to cold storage and refrigeration.

    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the process requires a range of well-developed skills and offers a significant choice of procedures. Some relevant theoretical knowledge, interpretation of available information, discretion and judgement, as well as a range of known responses to familiar problems are employed. The application of this unit standard is to qualify the person towards certification in skilled occupations and sub-trades. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of freezing or chilling of a food product. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The importance of and difference between chilling and freezing are identified and explained according to scientific principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The purpose and principles of different freezing and chilling methods used in the food manufacturing industry are explained according to scientific principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Freezing refers to block freezing or individually quick freezing. Chilling refers to cold storage or refrigeration.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The critical control points within the freezing and chilling process are identified according to scientific principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The principles of preservation and extending a perishable food product's shelf life by means of chilling and freezing are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The operating procedure of freezing and chilling equipment is described according to equipment operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The components of the freezing and chilling equipments are identified and the purpose of each component is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Food safety practices and procedures for freezing or chilling are identified and explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare for freezing or chilling of a food product. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Personal preparation is done according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Personal preparation refers to practices that ensure hygiene and personal and product safety.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The work areas and the chilling or freezing equipment are prepared according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Preparation refers to cleaning and/or sanitising and pre-start up checks on the equipment.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Raw materials or products are received, prepared and maintained according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Receiving refers to sufficient quantity and checking if the raw materials or products are quality released according to work-site requirements.
    Maintaining refers to all the work-site requirements in order to maintain the quality of the raw materials or products.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Raw material or product shortages are reported according to standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Freeze or chill a food product. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The freezing or chilling equipment is started, operated and controlled according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Raw materials or a food product are chilled or frozen according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Product and process parameters are controlled and recorded. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Samples are taken according to standard operating procedures and requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Chilled or frozen raw materials or a food product are released for further processing according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Releasing of a chilled or frozen product can only take place if:
  • Any other process-related problems are solved within scope of work in order to ensure product quality.
  • Adjustments are made to the process when it does not meet the work-site requirements.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Work areas are kept and maintained during the chilling or freezing procedures according to standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform end of freezing or chilling procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The chilling or freezing equipment is shut down according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Sub-standard product is handled according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The work area and chilling or freezing equipment are cleaned and sanitised according to standard operating
    procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Cleaning equipment is stored in designated areas according to work-site requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Waste from the cleaning process is handled and stored or dispatched according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Process records are kept according to standard operating procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Internal moderation.
  • External moderation.
  • An assessor, accredited by the relevant ETQA, will assess the learner`s competency.
  • Assessment procedures will be supplied by the ETQA in alignment with NSB requirements.
  • All assessment activities must be fair, so that all candidates have equal opportunities. Activities must be free of gender, ethnic or other bias.
  • Assessment and moderation procedures, activities and tools must be transparent, affordable and support development within the field, sub-field and NQF.
  • Questions and answers to determine theoretical knowledge are expected.
  • Examination of an assessment portfolio.
  • Reporting skills are demonstrated by effective communication, using verbal (language) and/or writing skills.
  • Direct observation in simulated or actual work conditions.
  • Practical demonstration of chilling or freezing raw materials or a food product.
  • This unit standard can be assessed with first line operational maintenance and process control unit standards. 
    		•

    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:
  • Solving process related problems within the scope of work in order to ensure product quality. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team and/or group. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Performing personal preparation, workplace and equipment preparation in order to operate process and equipment according to standard operating procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Taking a sample. 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others. 

    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. 

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

    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 
    Supplementary Information:

    1. Legal requirements:
  • The following acts and/or codes, current and future regulations and amendments will be applicable
  • Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, No. 54 of 1972
  • Health Act, No 63 of 1977
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act, No. 85 of 1993
  • SABS Food Hygiene Management Code 49: 1989.

    2. Definition of terms within this unit standard:
  • Chilling or freezing equipment
    Refers to al relevant equipment and components related to the chilling or freezing of food products.
  • Food safety practices and procedures
    Refer to good manufacturing practices, monitoring critical control points, HACCP`s, practices against food contamination and personal hygiene.
  • Standard operating procedures
    Refer to company procedures, prescribed procedures from the manufacturer, personal and food safety procedures, good manufacturing practices, best practices, applicable legislation, time frames, recipes and specifications. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  20194   National Certificate: Food and Beverage Processing: Fish and Seafood Processing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  FOODBEV 
    Core  20196   National Certificate: Food and Beverage Processing: Meat Processing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2008-03-12  Was FOODBEV until Last Date for Achievement 
    Core  20519   National Certificate: Food and Beverage Manufacturing Technology: Frozen Ice Cream and Frozen Ice Cream Related Products Technologist  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2006-04-20  Was FOODBEV until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  59016   National Certificate: Fish and Seafood Processing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  FOODBEV 
    Elective  22630   National Certificate: Food and Beverage Manufacturing Technology: Yeast Manufacturing Technology  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2016-12-31  FOODBEV 
    Elective  20504   National Certificate: Food and Beverage Processing: Fruit and Vegetables Processing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  FOODBEV 
    Elective  20198   National Certificate: Food and Beverage Processing: Oil and Fat Based Product Processing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  FOODBEV 
    Elective  20195   National Certificate: Food and Beverage Processing: Oil Refining  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2012-06-30  FOODBEV 
    Elective  20197   National Certificate: Food and Beverages Processing: Cereals, Snacks, Pasta, Spices, Condiments and Culinary Processing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2009-12-02  Was FOODBEV until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  59386   National Certificate: Fresh Meat Processing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  FOODBEV 
    Elective  57880   National Certificate: Meat Processing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  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.
     
    1. LUCKY STAR 
    2. Operational Process Improvements (Pty) Ltd 
    3. Vleisopleidingsentrum cc. 


    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.