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: 

Evaluate the quality of a food or beverage product in terms of its pH 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
9138  Evaluate the quality of a food or beverage product in terms of its pH 
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  4 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2004-10-13  2006-02-09  SAQA 0556/04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2007-02-09   2010-02-09  

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 is replaced by: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
120411  Evaluate the quality of a food product in terms of its pH  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • demonstrate knowledge of pH-determination on food or beverage products,
  • prepare for pH-determination on a food or beverage product,
  • calibrate a pH-meter,
  • determine the pH of a food or beverage product,
  • report on the quality of a food or beverage product in terms of its pH.

    This unit standard is for anyone who has to determine the pH of food or beverage products under laboratory conditions.

    This unit will contribute to the full development of the learner within the food or beverage 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 or beverage manufacturing and processing environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Description of required skills:
    Knowledge of basic physics and chemistry principles NQF 1. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The scope of this unit standard is for anyone who has to determine the pH of a food or beverage product under laboratory conditions. This unit standard can also be applied for determination of the pH of food or beverage by-products, ingredients and other chemicals and liquids used during manufacturing and quality control of food or beverage products, e.g. cleaning agents and boiler water.

    In the context of this unit standard, the pH of the product must be determined by means of a pH-meter with an electrode. pH-determination by means of a metal probe, pH paper strips or any other kind of chemical indicator is excluded from this unit standard.

    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 for certification in skilled occupations and sub-trades. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of pH-determination on food or beverage products. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    2. The importance of pH-measurement as quality test is explained according to standard food or beverage principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The explanation includes:
  • The effects of processing food or beverage products with an unacceptable pH on the process and on the final product quality,
  • The importance of pH-determination during the preparation of food or beverage products,
  • pH-measurement of food or beverage process-related chemical agents and solutions.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    1. The principles of pH determination are described according to standard chemical principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The description includes:
  • Working principles of a pH-meter,
  • An explanation of acidity and alkalinity,
  • An identification of the ionic compounds in food or beverage products that are responsible for acidity and alkalinity,
  • An explanation of the pH-scale, correlating it with acidity and alkalinity,
  • The importance of sample temperature during pH-determination.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare for pH-determination on a food or beverage product. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Preparation of equipment and personal preparation is done according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Preparations include:
  • Hygienic practices,
  • Wearing of protective clothing and safety gear.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The pH-meter is set-up and prepared according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The sample for pH-determination is prepared according to standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Calibrate a pH-meter. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The appropriate calibration standards are used, as specified by standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The pH-meter is calibrated according to standard operating procedures and without giving errors after calibration 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Standards (buffer solutions) are prepared and maintained according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The application of buffer solutions and the importance of temperature during calibration and pH-measurement are explained according to standard chemical principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The consequences of an incorrectly calibrated pH-meter are explained according to standard food or beverage principles. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Determine the pH of a food or beverage product. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Two (2) samples must be analysed in duplicate. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The pH of a food or beverage product is determined according to standard operating procedures. 

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The pH of each sample is established without error. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Evaluations are carried out in the designated area and according to site schedules, instructions and standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The purpose of working in line with site schedules is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Samples are evaluated safely, and with the most economic use of time. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. The equipment is left clean and ready for re-use in the designated area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Cleaning and maintenance of a pH meter electrode are done according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. The work area is left in a safe and clean condition. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. Problems are solved within scope of work. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Report on the quality of a food or beverage product in terms of its pH. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The specifications for the range of pH-values of the product are identified according to site-specific standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The results of pH-determinations are interpreted and a conclusion is drawn on the acidity of the product according to standard food or beverage principles and site-specific standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Deviations from the specifications for pH-values are explained according to standard food or beverage principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The potential causes of recording inaccurately are explained according to standard food or beverage principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The purpose of accurate documentation is explained according to standard food or beverage and legislation 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 pH of a food or beverage product. Two (2) samples must be analysed in duplicate. 
    		•

    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 pH of a food or beverage product. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by:
  • Working in line with site-schedules.

    Evident in the following specific outcome:
  • Determine the pH of a food or beverage product. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Preparing for pH-determination,
  • Calibrating the pH-meter.

    Evident in the following specific outcome
  • Prepare for pH-determination on a food or beverage product.
  • Calibrate a pH-determination is prepared according to standard operating procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Determining the pH and evaluating the results.

    Evident in the following specific outcomes
  • Determine the pH of a food or beverage product.
  • Report on the quality of a food or beverage product in terms of its pH. 
    		•

    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 quality of a food or beverage product in terms of its pH. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Determining the pH of the food or beverage product safely.

    Evident in the following specific outcome
  • Determine the pH of a food or beverage 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 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 120411, which is "Evaluate the quality of a food product in terms of its pH", Level 3, 4 credits.

    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:

    Terminology: Clarification/ explanation/ definition.

    Standard operating procedures: Refer to company procedures, prescribed procedures from the manufacturer, personal and food or beverage 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  20207   National Certificate: Food and Beverage Processing: Raw Milk and Cream Handling and Storing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2004-12-05  Was FOODBEV until Last Date for Achievement 
    Core  20212   National Certificate: Food Laboratory Practices: Dairy Laboratory Analyst  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 


    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.