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: 

Split and cut pig carcasses into primal cuts 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243015  Split and cut pig carcasses into primal cuts 
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  15 
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
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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
8884  Prepare pig carcasses for splitting  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3   
8885  Split and cut pig carcass into primal cuts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended for a person working in a red meat abattoir or de-boning hall who has the responsibility of preparing, splitting and cutting pig carcasses into primal cuts prior to further processing, using automated or semi-automated equipment.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of splitting and cutting of pig carcasses into primal cuts.
  • Prepare for splitting and cutting of pig carcasses into primal cuts.
  • Split and cut pig carcasses into primal cuts.
  • Perform relevant procedures after splitting and cutting.

    Range: Pork primal cuts refer to all of shanks, trotters, middles, bellies, breasts, legs and tails. Middles can include thick rib, rib, loin and chump.

    This unit standard will contribute to the full development of the learner within the meat processing industry 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 meat processing industry. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2.
  • Cleaning procedures, handling of cleaning equipment and chemicals.
  • Hygiene and food safety practices. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    In the context of this unit standard, carcass preparations prior to splitting and cutting refer to abattoir or de-boning hall procedures and not the fresh meat retail or butchery type of environment.

    The context of this unit standard is further clearly defined under the range statements contained within. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of splitting and cutting of pig carcasses into primal cuts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of splitting and cutting pig carcasses into primal cuts is explained according to standard principles of meat science and processing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The preparations to be performed prior to splitting and cutting of pig carcasses into primal cuts are identified and described according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The procedures for splitting and cutting of pig carcasses into primal cuts are described according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The equipment used for preparation, splitting and cutting of pig carcasses is identified and its operating principles are described according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Equipment for preparation refers to roller-marking, shunting and weighing equipment.
  • Splitting and cutting equipment refers to bull saw, hand saw or band saw.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The bone structure and associated organs of pig carcasses are identified according to standard principles of porcine anatomy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Food safety practices and procedures for splitting and cutting of pig carcasses are identified and explained according to standard food safety principles. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare for splitting and cutting of pig carcasses into primal cuts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of each of the preparations performed prior to splitting and cutting of pig carcasses is explained according to standard principles of meat processing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Personal preparation is done according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Preparations include:
  • Hygiene practices.
  • Wearing of protective clothing and safety gear.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The work area and equipment are prepared according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Preparation refers to cleaning, sanitising and pre-start up checks on the equipment.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Pig carcasses are received and maintained according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Receiving refers to sufficient quantity and checking if the pig carcasses are quality released according to work-site requirements.
  • Maintaining refers to all the work-site requirements in order to maintain the optimum quality of the pig carcasses.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Pig carcasses are prepared for splitting and cutting according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Preparation refers to roller- marking, shunting, weighing, removing of cheeks, heads, pelvic bone, kidneys and fillet, or splitting the pelvic bone of the carcass and dropping one leg.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The prepared pig carcasses are released for splitting and cutting procedures according to standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Split and cut pig carcasses into primal cuts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Pig carcasses are split into primal cuts according to standard operating procedures and safety requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Pork primal cuts refer to all of shanks, trotters, middles, bellies, breasts, legs and tails. Middles can include thick rib, rib, loin and chump.
     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Parameters and conditions during splitting and cutting are monitored and controlled according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Work areas are kept and maintained according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Primal cuts conform to specifications as set by standard operating procedures and company requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform relevant procedures after splitting and cutting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Primal cuts are released for further processing according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Splitting and cutting equipment is shut down according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Sub-standard product is handled according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Secondary products from the splitting and cutting process are handled according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The work area and equipment are cleaned and sanitised according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Process records are kept and reports are done according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Process-related problems are identified and solved within the scope of work. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Problem solving includes:
  • Recognition of signs of problems.
  • Identification and explanation of common problems, their causes and methods of prevention.
  • Description of the consequences of the problem.
  • Reporting of problems.
     
    		•


    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 
    N/A 

    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:
  • Solving process-related problems within the scope of work in order to ensure required product quality.

    Evident in Specific Outcome
  • Perform relevant procedures after splitting and cutting. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team and/or group, by:
  • Performing all preparations and processing tasks in a team set-up.

    Evident in Specific Outcome
  • Prepare for splitting and cutting of pig carcasses into primal cuts.
  • Split and cut pig carcasses into primal cuts.
  • Perform relevant procedures after splitting and cutting. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Performing personal preparation, workplace, product and equipment preparation in order to operate process and equipment according to standard operating procedures.

    Evident in Specific Outcome
  • Prepare for splitting and cutting of pig carcasses into primal cuts.
  • Split and cut pig carcasses into primal cuts. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information, by:
  • Keeping structured records.

    Evident in Specific Outcome
  • Perform relevant procedures after splitting and cutting.
  • Demonstrating understanding of the splitting and cutting process.

    Evident in Specific Outcome
  • Demonstrate an understanding of splitting and cutting of pig carcasses into primal cuts. 
    		•

    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 Specific Outcome
  • Perform relevant procedures after splitting and cutting. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others, by:
  • Demonstrating understanding of and applying food safety practices and procedures.

    Evident in Specific Outcome
  • Demonstrate an understanding of splitting and cutting of pig carcasses into primal cuts.
  • Split and cut pig carcasses into primal cuts.
  • Cleaning and sanitising the equipment and work environment.

    Evident in Specific Outcome
  • Prepare for splitting and cutting of pig carcasses into primal cuts.
  • Perform relevant procedures after splitting and cutting. 
    		•

    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:
  • Solving process-related problems within the scope of work in order to ensure required product quality.

    Evident in Specific Outcome
  • Perform relevant procedures after splitting and cutting. 
    		•

    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 Specific Outcome
  • Demonstrate an understanding of splitting and cutting of pig carcasses into primal cuts.
  • Prepare for splitting and cutting of pig carcasses into primal cuts.
  • Split and cut pig carcasses into primal cuts.
  • Perform relevant procedures after splitting and cutting. 
    		•

    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 standards:
  • 8884: "Prepare pig carcasses for splitting", Level 2, 3 credits.
  • 8885: "Split and cut pig carcass into primal cuts", Level 3, 3 credits.

    Supplementary Information:
  • Legal requirements:

    The following acts and/or codes, current and future regulations and amendments will be applicable.
  • Animal Diseases Act, No. 35 of 1984.
  • Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, No. 54 of 1972.
  • Health Act, No. 63 of 1977.
  • Meat Safety Act, No. 40 of 2000.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act, No. 85 of 1993.

    Where applicable, the following International and National Standards should be considered:
  • SANS 1049 - Food Hygiene Management.
  • SANS 10330 - Requirements for a HACCP system.
  • ISO 22000 - Food safety management systems - Requirements for organisations throughout the food chain.
  • ISO 9001 - Quality Management System - Requirements.
  • Definition of terms within this unit standard:

    Terminology:
  • Food safety, Clarification/explanation/definition: Assurance that food will not cause harm to the consumer when it is prepared and/or eaten according to its intended use. Food safety is related to the occurrence of food safety hazards and does not include other human health aspects related to e.g. malnutrition.
  • Pork primal cuts, Clarification/explanation/definition: Refers to shanks, trotters, middles, bellies, breasts, legs and tails. Middles can include thick rib, rib, loins and chump.
  • Standard operating procedures, Clarification/explanation/definition: Refer to company procedures, prescribed procedures from the manufacturer, personal safety and food safety practices and 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  57880   National Certificate: Meat Processing  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.