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: 

Operate and control dry pet food extrusion equipment using advanced extrusion technologies 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116043  Operate and control dry pet food extrusion equipment using advanced extrusion technologies 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Secondary Agriculture: Processing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Secondary Agriculture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
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 does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A learner who has achieved this unit standard will be competent in:
  • Prepare for the extrusion of a pet food according to work site and safety procedures.
  • Extrude a pet food using an advanced continuous food extruder and associated equipment.
  • Perform shutdown procedures after extrusion is completed

    This unit standard is intended for a person working in the dry pet food industry who has the responsibility of operating a advanced extruder and associated equipment in the manufacture of a dry kibbled pet food 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    To enter a learning programme for this unit standard or to be assessed against this unit standard, the learner is assumed to have :

    Literacy, mathematics, physical science and communication skills at or equivalent to NQF level 3.

    Attended a course on Introduction to Pet Food Manufacturing Industry NQF level 1.

    An understanding of General safety in the work place at NQF level 1.

    Cleaning procedures, handling of equipment and chemicals NQF level 1.

    Take a representative sample NQF level 1.

    Evaluate kibble quality NQF level 2.

    Demonstrate and understanding of advanced dry pet food extrusion principles NQF level 4. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The learner has to comply with operational and statutory requirements regarding the operation of a an advanced continuous food extruder inclusive of die and cutting head assembly and other related accessories.

    The advanced extrusion equipment referred to in this unit standard;- includes single/twin screw extruders, automated/semi-automated, process controlled extruders, compactor accessories, co-extrusion accessories, downstream cutting-, forming-, shaping-, sizing- and crimping-, equipment.

    Advanced extrusion technologies include the manipulation of formulations, expanded delicate pet foods, unexpanded products, filled extruded products, co-extruded products, high fat extrusion, liquid additions, meat slurry additions used in the manufacture of dry and semi-moist pet foods and treats.

    The specific outcomes as reflected in this unit standard are performed without direct supervision, but with access to work site procedures and operating instructions. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare for extrusion of a dry pet food or treat. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Prepare for the startup and operation of advanced extrusion equipment according operational and work site procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Conduct first line routine maintenance on the extruder and associated equipment according to standard operating and work site procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Receive and store the ground mash and other ingredients for further processing according to work site procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Report any deviations or shortages regarding the ground mash and ingredients according to work site procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Extrude a dry petfood using advanced extrusion technologies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Start, operate and control a continuous food extruder and related advanced post extrusion equipment according to work-site and safety procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Extrude a dry pet food to the required product specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Take a representative sample of the extruded product and analyze it for moisture content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Control and record product extrusion parameters according to work site procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Capture operating details. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Complete relevant documentation according to work-site procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Report all deviations to affected parties according to work site procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform end of extrusion procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Shutdown the extruder according to work site and safety procedures 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Handle sub-standard product according too work site procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Work area and extrusion equipment are cleaned and sanitized according to work site procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Clean and sanitize the work area and extrusion and accessory equipment according to work site procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Ensure that cleaning equipment is stored in the designated area according to work site procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Waste from the cleaning process is handled, stored or disposed of according to work site requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Process and store records according to work site procedures 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    An individual wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to an assessor accredited by SETASA.

    Any training provider offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be registered and accredited by SETASA.

    Moderation of assessment will be done by SETASA in its ETQA capacity at its discretion. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Operational handbooks for the extruder and related accessory equipment as per range statement.

    Standard work site procedures for
  • Handling and dosing of liquid and meat slurry additions
  • Extrusion, co-extrusion, compacting, expansion, cutting, shaping, filling and sealing of products (as per range statement)
  • defective product
  • waste management
  • hygiene and sanitization of work area and equipment

    Practical operating hints on advanced extruders and associated equipment.

    Manufacturers product specifications (ie. formulation, shape, appearance, colour, fineness, diameter, bulk density, post extrusion moisture content, water activity, pH)

    Extrusion - shift report control sheets and other relative record sheets. 

  • 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 responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

    Assessment criteria
  • Prepare for the startup and operation of advanced extrusion equipment according operational and work site procedures.
  • Conduct first line routine maintenance on the extruder and associated equipment according to standard operating and work site procedures.
  • Receive and store the ground mash and other ingredients for further processing according to work site procedures.
  • Take a representative sample of the extruded product and analyze it for moisture content.
  • Control and record product extrusion parameters according to work site procedures.
  • Complete relevant documentation according to work-site procedures.
  • Report all deviations to affected parties according to work site procedures.
  • Shutdown the extruder according to work site and safety procedures 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community.

    Assessment criteria
  • Prepare for the startup and operation of advanced extrusion equipment according operational and work site procedures.
  • Conduct first line routine maintenance on the extruder and associated equipment according to standard operating and work site procedures.
  • Receive and store the ground mash and other ingredients for further processing according to work site procedures.
  • Report any deviations or shortages regarding the ground mash and ingredients according to work site procedures.
  • Complete relevant documentation according to work-site procedures.
  • Report all deviations to affected parties according to work site procedures.
  • Handle sub-standard product according too work site procedures.
  • Waste from the cleaning process is handled, stored or disposed of according to work site requirements. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

    Assessment criteria
  • Prepare for the startup and operation of advanced extrusion equipment according operational and work site procedures.
  • Conduct first line routine maintenance on the extruder and associated equipment according to standard operating and work site procedures.
  • Receive and store the ground mash and other ingredients for further processing according to work site procedures.
  • Report any deviations or shortages regarding the ground mash and ingredients according to work site procedures.
  • Extrude a dry pet food to the required product specifications.
  • Take a representative sample of the extruded product and analyze it for moisture content.
  • Control and record product extrusion parameters according to work site procedures.
  • Complete relevant documentation according to work-site procedures.
  • Report all deviations to affected parties according to work site procedures.
  • Shutdown the extruder according to work site and safety procedures
  • Handle sub-standard product according too work site procedures.
  • Work area and extrusion equipment are cleaned and sanitized according to work site procedures.
  • Clean and sanitize the work area and extrusion and accessory equipment according to work site procedures.
  • Ensure that cleaning equipment is stored in the designated area according to work site procedures.
  • Process and store records according to work site procedures. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information.

    Assessment criteria
  • Prepare for the startup and operation of advanced extrusion equipment according operational and work site procedures.
  • Conduct first line routine maintenance on the extruder and associated equipment according to standard operating and work site procedures.
  • Receive and store the ground mash and other ingredients for further processing according to work site procedures.
  • Take a representative sample of the extruded product and analyze it for moisture content.
  • Control and record product extrusion parameters according to work site procedures.
  • Complete relevant documentation according to work-site procedures.
  • Report all deviations to affected parties according to work site procedures.
  • Shutdown the extruder according to work site and safety procedures 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate with others effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes oforal and /or written persuasion.

    Assessment criteria
  • Prepare for the startup and operation of advanced extrusion equipment according operational and work site procedures.
  • Conduct first line routine maintenance on the extruder and associated equipment according to standard operating and work site procedures.
  • Receive and store the ground mash and other ingredients for further processing according to work site procedures.
  • Report any deviations or shortages regarding the ground mash and ingredients according to work site procedures.
  • Take a representative sample of the extruded product and analyze it for moisture content.
  • Control and record product extrusion parameters according to work site procedures. 

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

    Assessment criteria
  • Prepare for the startup and operation of advanced extrusion equipment according operational and work site procedures.
  • Conduct first line routine maintenance on the extruder and associated equipment according to standard operating and work site procedures.
  • Receive and store the ground mash and other ingredients for further processing according to work site procedures.
  • Complete relevant documentation according to work-site procedures.
  • Report all deviations to affected parties according to work site procedures.
  • Shutdown the extruder according to work site and safety procedures
  • Process and store records according to work site procedures. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Understands the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
  • Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
  • Exploring education and career opportunities and
  • Developing entrepreneurial opportunities.

    Assessment criteria
  • Prepare for the startup and operation of advanced extrusion equipment according operational and work site procedures.
  • Conduct first line routine maintenance on the extruder and associated equipment according to standard operating and work site procedures.
  • Receive and store the ground mash and other ingredients for further processing according to work site procedures.
  • Report any deviations or shortages regarding the ground mash and ingredients according to work site procedures.
  • Start, operate and control a continuous food extruder and related advanced post extrusion equipment according to work-site and safety procedures.
  • Extrude a dry pet food to the required product specifications.
  • Take a representative sample of the extruded product and analyze it for moisture content.
  • Control and record product extrusion parameters according to work site procedures.
  • Complete relevant documentation according to work-site procedures.
  • Report all deviations to affected parties according to work site procedures.
  • Shutdown the extruder according to work site and safety procedures
  • Handle sub-standard product according too work site procedures.
  • Work area and extrusion equipment are cleaned and sanitized according to work site procedures.
  • Clean and sanitize the work area and extrusion and accessory equipment according to work site procedures.
  • Ensure that cleaning equipment is stored in the designated area according to work site procedures.
  • Waste from the cleaning process is handled, stored or disposed of according to work site requirements.
  • Process and store records according to work site 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 
    Values

    All learners should demonstrate :

    An application of company ethics, values as well as general safety and customer care principles.

    An awareness of expectations and obligations of basic worker / management / customer relationships. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  48893   Further Education and Training Certificate: Dry Pet Food Advanced Processing Technology  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    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.