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: 

Manufacture smooth cottage cheese (Quark) from coagulated milk 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
9177  Manufacture smooth cottage cheese (Quark) from coagulated milk 
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" 		 2004-10-13  2006-04-20  SAQA 0556/04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2007-04-20   2010-04-20  

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
123313  Manufacture smooth or chunky cottage cheese from coagulated milk  Level 4  NQF Level 04  25   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • demonstrate knowledge of moisture and total solids control in smooth cottage cheese (Quark) curd,
  • control the moisture and total solids content in smooth cottage cheese (Quark) curd,
  • handle smooth cottage cheese (Quark) before packaging into containers,
  • monitor and control the manufacturing of smooth cottage cheese (Quark).

    This unit standard is for anyone who has to manufacture smooth cottage cheese (Quark).

    This unit 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:

    Pasteurisation.
    Standardisation.
    Knowledge of the role of milk constituents in cheese manufacturing.
    Coagulation of milk for cheese manufacturing.
    Preparation of a cheese starter culture.
    Knowledge of syneresis, mineral content and moisture control in cheese curd.
    Cleaning-in-place and cleaning out-of-place.
    Representative sample taking for quality control purposes. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The scope of this unit standard is for anyone who has to manufacture smooth cottage cheese (Quark).

    The context of this unit standard is described in the range statements under the assessment criteria.

    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate 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 judgement and a range of sometime innovative responses to concrete but often unfamiliar problems are employed. The application of this unit standard is to qualify the person for certification in advanced trade and technical occupations. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of moisture and total solids control in smooth cottage cheese (Quark) curd. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The importance of moisture and total solids control in smooth cottage cheese curd is explained according to standard dairy principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The explanation refers to:
  • Legislated standards for maximum moisture-in-dry-matter,
  • Legislated standards for solids-non-fat,
  • Maintaining a uniform product throughout the year.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Syneresis in smooth cottage cheese curd is defined according to standard dairy principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The relationship between syneresis, total solids and moisture control in smooth cottage cheese curd is explained according to standard dairy principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The influence of milk composition on the final moisture content of smooth cottage cheese curd is explained according to standard dairy principles. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Control the moisture and total solids content in smooth cottage cheese (Quark) curd. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The importance of the stirring process (breaking of the coagulum) is explained according to standard dairy principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Smooth cottage cheese curd is stirred according to standard operating procedures and safety requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Ideal conditions for curd stirring are described according to standard dairy principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Ideal conditions include:
  • Stirring speed,
  • Types stirrers.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The influence of stirring the curd on syneresis in cheese curd is explained according to standard dairy principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The influence of stirring the curd on cheese yield is explained according to standard dairy principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Quality control tests on curd are performed according to standard operating procedures in order to determine the progress of the moisture control and total solids matrix formation in the cheese curd. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. The results of quality control tests are interpreted to make a decision on the progress of total solids matrix formation in the cheese curd. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. The importance of whey removal during smooth cottage cheese manufacturing is explained according to standard dairy principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Whey removal by means of a quark separator is described according to standard dairy principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The description refers to:
  • Operating principles of a quark separator,
  • Main components of a quark separator,
  • Functions of these components.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. Whey is removed according to standard operating procedures and safety requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    11. Ideal conditions for whey removal are described according to standard dairy principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    12. Whey utilisation is described according to standard dairy principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The description refers to:
  • Uses for whey,
  • Membrane techniques used to process whey.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
    13. Common problems associated with smooth cottage cheese curd manufacturing are solved within scope of work. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Problem solving includes:
  • Recognition of signs of problems,
  • Identification of common problems during manufacturing, their causes and methods of prevention,
  • Description of the consequences of the problems.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Handle smooth cottage cheese (Quark) before packaging into containers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The importance of cooling smooth cottage cheese is explained according to standard dairy principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Methods for cooling smooth cottage cheese are explained according to standard dairy principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The site-specific equipment used for cooling smooth cottage cheese is described in terms of its operating principles and main components with their functions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Smooth cottage cheese is cooled according to standard operating procedures and safety equirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The importance of adding a dressing to smooth cottage cheese is described according to standard dairy principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The functions of the dressing ingredients are described according to standard dairy principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Ingredients include:
  • Cream,
  • Skimmed milk,
  • Salt,
  • Culture (for sour dressing),
  • Stabiliser,
  • Preservative,
  • Herb or fruit supplements (optional).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Dressing is prepared and mixed with smooth cottage cheese according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Dressing is prepared for all smooth cottage cheese types, except for fat free cottage cheese.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. The importance of standardising the dressing is explained in terms of:
  • Legal requirements,
  • Consistency of product composition,
  • Profitability of manufacturing. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Common problems associated with dressing manufacturing are solved within scope of work. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Problem solving includes:
  • Recognition of signs of problems,
  • Identification of common problems during manufacturing, their causes and methods of prevention,
  • Description of the consequences of the problems.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Monitor and control the manufacturing of smooth cottage cheese (Quark). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Records are kept according to site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Common problems associated with smooth cottage cheese manufacturing are solved within scope of work. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Problem solving includes:
  • Recognition of signs of problems,
  • Identification of common problems during manufacturing, their causes and methods of prevention,
  • Identification of common appearance, taste, body and texture defects in smooth cottage cheese, their causes and methods of prevention,
  • Description of the consequences of the problems.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Samples are taken according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The samples are analysed according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Cheese yield is determined according to standard operating procedures and is established without error. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Cheese yield is described according to standard dairy principles: 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The description refers to:
  • Actual versus theoretical cheese yield,
  • Importance of determining cheese yield,
  • Influence of the casein-to-fat ratio in milk on the cheese yield,
  • Contribution of milk constituents to cheese yield,
  • Factors affecting cheese yield (Five (5) factors must be identified and explained.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. The principles and purpose of the relevant cheese yield formulae are explained according to standard dairy principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Results of sample analysis are interpreted and a decision is made on the progress of the cheese manufacturing process, as well as on the yield (economy of the process). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. The specifications for the composition of the smooth cottage cheese are identified according to site-specific standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. The results of the compositional analysis of smooth cottage cheese are compared with site-specific standards in order to make a conclusion on the quality of the cheese. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    11. Possible reasons for deviations from the specifications are explained according to standard dairy 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 manufacturing of smooth cottage cheese. 
    		•

    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 outcomes:
  • Control the moisture and total solids content in smooth cottage cheese (Quark) curd.
  • Handle smooth cottage cheese (Quark) before packaging into containers.
  • Monitor and control the manufacturing of smooth cottage cheese (Quark). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Monitoring and controlling the cheese manufacturing process.

    Evident in the following specific outcome:
  • Monitor and control the manufacturing of smooth cottage cheese (Quark). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Taking samples, evaluating the results from analysis and making a conclusion on the quality of the cheese.

    Evident in the following specific outcome:
  • Monitor and control the manufacturing of smooth cottage cheese (Quark). 
    		•

    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:
  • Monitor and control the manufacturing of smooth cottage cheese (Quark). 
    		•

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

    Evident in the following specific outcomes:
  • Control the moisture and total solids content in smooth cottage cheese (Quark) curd.
  • Handle smooth cottage cheese (Quark) before packaging into containers. 
    		•

    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 by:
  • Recognising signs of problems, identifying causes of problems and methods of preventing the problems, as well as describing the consequences of the problems.

    Evident in the following specific outcomes:
  • Control the moisture and total solids content in smooth cottage cheese (Quark) curd.
  • Handle smooth cottage cheese (Quark) before packaging into containers.
  • Monitor and control the manufacturing of smooth cottage cheese (Quark). 
    		•

    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 123313, which is "Manufacture smooth or chunky cottage cheese from coagulated milk", Level 4, 25 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 and clarification/ explanation/ definition.

    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
    Elective  20553   National Certificate: Food and Beverage Manufacturing Technology: Cottage Cheese Technologist  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2006-04-20  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.