Page 1 of 2
Title / Demonstrate knowledge of processed cheese manufacturing
Level / 3 / Credits / 5
Purpose / This theory-based entry-level unit standard is for people working in a cheese factory or the cheese manufacturing department of a dairy processing operation.
People credited with unit standard are able to demonstrate knowledge of: the characteristics of processed cheese; the manufacturing processes for processed cheese; packaging and storage requirements of processed cheese; and process control and quality tests used to determine the quality of processed cheese.
Classification / Dairy ProcessingMilk Products
Available grade / Achieved
Explanatory notes
Legislation
Legislation relevant to this unit standard includes but is not limited to the Animal Products Act 1999, Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992, and Animal Products (Dairy) Regulations 2005.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of processed cheese.
Evidence requirements
1.1Characteristics of processed cheeses are identified and described in terms of end uses in the consumer market.
1.2Characteristics of processed cheeses are described in terms of influences imparted by the selection of cheeses, blending formulations, and use of additives.
1.3Legislative requirements relating to processed cheese are explained in terms of minimum component levels, minimum heat treatment, and the use of additives.
Outcome 2
Demonstrate knowledge of the manufacturing processes for processed cheese.
Evidence requirements
2.1Manufacturing processes for processed cheese are described in terms of purposes and influences of steps in the processes.
2.2The manufacture of processed cheese is described in terms of operating conditions and examples of their effect on each stage of the process in relation to the final product.
Rangestages include but are not limited to – blending, cleaning and trimming, milling, additives, kettle, homogenisation, cooling, filling head;
evidence is required for at least one example of an effect for each stage.
Outcome 3
Demonstrate knowledge of packaging and storage requirements of processed cheese in a dairy processing operation.
Evidence requirements
3.1Packaging materials and forms used for packaging processed cheese are described in terms of barrier properties and protection of product from environmental and distribution stresses.
Rangepackaging materials and forms include but are not limited to – plastics, foils.
3.2Aseptic filling and sealing of product packs is explained in terms of requirements for achieving maximum product shelf-life.
3.3Storage of processed cheese is explained in terms of conditions required for achieving maximum product shelf-life.
Outcome 4
Demonstrate knowledge of process control and quality tests used to determine the quality of processed cheese in a dairy processing operation.
Evidence requirements
4.1Process control of processed cheese is described in terms of the significance and purpose of chemical and microbiological tests.
4.2Quality testing and grading of processed cheese is explained in terms of manufacturer to customer product purchase specifications.
4.3Control points for quality control are identified and explained in one aspect of the manufacture of a processed cheese product.
Rangeevidence is required of any one of – preparation of materials and ingredients, processing, packaging, storage.
Planned review date / 31 December 2020Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process / Version / Date / Last Date for AssessmentRegistration / 1 / 28 April 1995 / 31December 2013
Review / 2 / 5 July 1999 / 31December 2013
Review / 3 / 26 August 2002 / 31December 2013
Revision / 4 / 13 June 2003 / 31December 2013
Rollover and Revision / 5 / 17 July 2009 / 31December 2013
Review / 6 / 17 May 2012 / 31 December 2016
Review / 7 / 18 June 2015 / N/A
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference / 0022
This CMR can be accessed at
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA, before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact the Primary Industry Training Organisation if you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
Primary Industry Training OrganisationSSB Code 101558 / New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2018