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: 

Determine the quality of food products using sensory evaluation 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
9046  Determine the quality of food products using sensory evaluation 
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 4  NQF Level 04  10 
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 the sensory quality of a food product,
  • Prepare for the determination of the sensory quality of a food product,
  • determine the sensory quality of a food product,
  • report on the sensory quality of a food product.

    This unit standard is for anyone who has to determine the quality of a food product using sensory evaluation techniques in a laboratory or food manufacturing environment.

    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 
    Description of required skills:
  • Sensory quality determination and evaluation skills. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The scope of this unit standard is anyone who has to determine the sensory characteristics of a food product for quality control purposes, not product development in a laboratory or manufacturing. By being able to evaluate the sensory quality of a food product, the person will have the necessary skills to detect off-flavours, -appearances and -textures in the food product that is either intended for consumption or for production of other food products.

    The context of this unit standard, a food product refers any food product manufactured in the food manufacturing environment.

    The level assigned to this unit standard is applicable because the process requires a wide range of technical skills and offers a considerable choice of procedures. A broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts, analytical interpretation of information, informed judgements and a range of sometime innovative responses to concrete but often unfamiliar problems are employed. The application of the unit standard is to qualify a person towards certification in advance trade and technical occupations. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the sensory quality of a food product. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Sensory quality includes:
  • Flavour (taste and aroma),
  • Body (texture),
  • Appearance. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The importance of sensory evaluation of a food product is explained according to standard food principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Sensory qualities of a food product are described according to standard food principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The principles of the different sensory assessments tests are identified and explained according to standard food assessment principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Assessment tests refer to descriptive, acceptance, threshold and difference tests.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Factors that affect the sensory quality of a food product are described according to standard food principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Three (3) examples are given for each of flavour, body and appearance.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Common sensory defects in a food product, and the cause of each, are identified according to standard food principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Three (3) examples are given for each of flavour, body and appearance.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare for the determination of the sensory quality of a food product. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Personal preparation is done according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The testing area and the food sample are prepared according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The food sample are maintained and prepared according to standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Determine the sensory quality of a food product. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Sensory quality includes:
  • Flavour (taste and aroma).
  • Body (texture).
  • Appearance.
    Five (5) samples must be tested for each of the above. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The sensory qualities of each sample are determined according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The sensory qualities of each sample are established without error. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Problems are solved within scope of work. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Report on the sensory quality of a food product. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Results are recorded according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The results of the tests are interpreted and a conclusion is drawn on the sensory quality of a food product according to standard food principles and site-specific standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Deviations from standards are explained according to standard food principles. 


    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 determining the sensory quality of a food product. Five (5) samples must be tested for flavour, body and appearance. 
    		•

    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 within scope of work.

    Evident in the following Specific Outcome:
  • Determine the sensory quality of a food product. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Preparing for sensory evaluation of a food product.

    Evident in the following Specific Outcome:
  • Prepare for the determination of the sensory quality of a food product. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Testing the sensory qualities of a food product and evaluating the results.

    Evident in the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Determine the sensory quality of a food product.
  • Report on the sensory quality of a food product. 
    		•

    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.

    Evident in the following Specific Outcome:
  • Report on the sensory quality of a food product. 
    		•

    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 
    Supplementary Information:

    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.


    Definition of terms within this unit standard:

    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  57880   National Certificate: Meat Processing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  FOODBEV 
    Core  20206   National Certificate: Food and Beverage Manufacturing Technology: Spray Dried Food Product Technologist  Level 4  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L4  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  FOODBEV 
    Elective  20508   National Certificate Food and Beverages Processing: Soft Drinks Processing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  FOODBEV 
    Elective  74189   National Certificate: Cereals, Snacks, Pasta and Condiments Manufacturing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  FOODBEV 
    Elective  80928   National Certificate: Confectionery (Chocolate, Sugar and Biscuit) Manufacturing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  FOODBEV 
    Elective  23138   National Certificate: Food and Beverage Laboratory Practices: Food and Beverage Laboratory Analysis  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2005-12-04  Was FOODBEV until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  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 
    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  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 
    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  20200   National Certificate: Food and Beverage Processing: Oil Milling  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2012-06-30  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  21813   National Certificate: First Line Manufacturing Management: Food and Beverage  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2005-06-12  Was FOODBEV until Last Date for Achievement 


    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.