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: 

Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of milk and its transformation into commercial dairy products 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
120245  Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of milk and its transformation into commercial dairy products 
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  6 
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
9120  Demonstrate knowledge of the nature of milk and its transformation into commercial dairy products  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended for a person who starts a career in the dairy industry and who has to get acquainted with milk as a raw material being transformed into various dairy products.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to demonstrate an understanding of:
  • The origin of milk.
  • The nutritional importance of milk.
  • The physical properties of milk.
  • The transformation of milk into commercial dairy products.

    This unit standard will contribute to the full development of the learner within the dairy-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 dairy 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 2.
  • Chemistry and Physics at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    In the context of this unit standard, milk refers to animal milk produced for human consumption. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the origin of milk. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Milk is defined according to its origin and nursing purposes. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The definition refers to:
  • Species of mammals giving milk.
  • Anatomical structure of the mammary gland responsible for lactation.
  • Nutritional value of milk for the mammal's offspring after birth.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The mammal's milk production cycle is described in terms of its reproduction cycle. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Factors that cause variations in milk production and composition are explained according to standard dairy principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Factors include managerial, genetic and physiological aspects.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Mastitis and its significance in the dairy industry are explained according to standard dairy principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The explanation refers to:
  • A definition of mastitis.
  • Pathogens causing mastitis in the milk cow.
  • Treatment of mastitis.
  • Effect of mastitis on milk composition.
  • Effect of the treatment of mastitis on dairy product manufacturing.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Factors that make raw milk unacceptable for intake are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Factors include:
  • Mastitis.
  • Colostrum.
  • Milk with high temperature.
  • Unstable milk.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The links of the cold chain from the farm to the consumer are identified according to standard food safety principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The importance of maintaining the cold chain is explained according to standard food safety principles. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the nutritional importance of milk. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The nutritional importance of milk for the newborn calve, as well as for the consumer, is described according to standard dairy principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The constituents of cow's milk and the average % of each component are identified according to standard dairy principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Constituents include:
  • Water.
  • Proteins.
  • Fat.
  • Sugar (Lactose).
  • Mineral salts.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The structural building blocks of milk proteins are identified according to standard dairy principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The types of milk proteins are identified according to standard dairy principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The structural building blocks of milk fat are identified according to standard dairy principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The structural building blocks of lactose are identified according to standard dairy principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The main functions of each constituent are identified in terms of its nutritional value. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The legal specifications for milk composition are identified according to the most current legislation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Milk composition include:
  • Fat.
  • Protein.
  • Solids-non-fat.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the physical properties of milk. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons for specific colour appearances in milk and milk related products are given according to standard chemical and dairy principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The colour appearances refer to:
  • White to yellow colour of full cream milk.
  • Bluish colour of skimmed milk.
  • Green yellow colour of whey.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The components in milk contributing to the specific taste in milk are explained according to standard chemical and dairy principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The components in milk contributing to taste of milk refer to:
  • Lactose.
  • Protein.
  • Fat.
  • Minerals.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Factors that influence the taste and colour of milk are identified according to standard dairy principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The density of milk is identified according to standard dairy and chemical principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The effects of temperature, water and solids-non-fat content of milk on the density of milk are explained according standard dairy and chemical principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The freezing point of milk is identified according to legal requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The importance of determining the freezing point of milk is explained according to standard dairy principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Factors that influence the freezing point of milk are identified according to standard dairy principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The acidity of milk is identified in terms of pH and titratable acidity and according to legal requirements (where applicable). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The importance of determining the acidity of milk is explained according to standard dairy principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    Factors that influence the acidity of milk are identified according to standard dairy principles. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the transformation of milk into commercial dairy products. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The transformation of milk is identified in terms of the different types of dairy products that can be manufactured from milk. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    One example of each type of dairy product should be identified. Types of dairy products include:
  • Fresh dairy products.
  • Frozen dairy products.
  • Churned dairy products.
  • Fermented dairy products.
  • Long life dairy products.
  • Dried dairy products.
  • Concentrated dairy products.
  • Dairy fruit mixes.
  • Combinations of the above.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The main manufacturing processes for each of the above dairy products are identified and described according to standard dairy manufacturing principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Chemical changes that occur in milk during storage, due to reactions of protein and fat are identified according to standard dairy and chemical principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The influence of chemical changes on the sensory quality of milk is identified according to standard dairy and chemical principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Effects of heat treatment on milk and its components are explained according to standard dairy principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The explanation refers to:
  • The effect on milk fat.
  • The effect on milk proteins.
  • The effect on lactose.
  • The effect on vitamins and minerals.
  • The effect on enzymes.
     
    		•


    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:
  • Applying knowledge of the nature, composition and nutritional importance of milk, the collection of raw milk on the farm and the manufacturing of dairy products from such milk.

    Evident in all specific outcomes. 
    		•

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

    Evident in all specific outcomes. 

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

    Evident in all specific outcomes. 

    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 9120, "Demonstrate knowledge of the nature of milk and its transformation into commercial dairy products", Level 2, 5 credits.

    Supplementary information:
  • Where applicable, the following acts, current and future regulations and amendments should be considered:
    > Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, No. 54 of 1972.
    > Agricultural Product Standards Act, No. 119 of 1990.

    Definition of terms within this unit standard:
  • Terminology:

    > Churned dairy products: Include butter and butter related products.

    > Concentrated dairy products: Include all kinds of cheeses and condensed milk.

    > Dairy fruit mixes: Include fruit-milk mixtures.

    > Dried dairy products: Include milk, whey, buttermilk and cheese powders.

    > Fermented dairy products: Include yoghurt, sour cream, buttermilk and maas.

    > Fresh dairy products: Include fresh milk and fresh cream.

    > Frozen dairy products: Include ice cream.

    > Long life dairy products: Include UHT and steri products. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  74229   National Certificate: Milk and Cream Handling and Storing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  FOODBEV 
    Core  50083   National Certificate: Milk and Cream Handling and Storing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2009-12-02  Was FOODBEV until Last Date for Achievement 
    Core  50024   National Certificate: Dairy Primary Processing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2009-12-02  Was FOODBEV until Last Date for Achievement 
    Core  74250   National Certificate: Dairy Primary Processing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  FOODBEV 
    Elective  50305   National Certificate: Food Laboratory Analysis  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.
     
    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.