2051  Monitor food hygiene standards using rapid test methods in food and drink operations

SCQF Level 5       SCQF Credit value 5

 

Unit Summary

This unit is about monitoring food hygiene standards using rapid methods. You need to check and prepare equipment and the environment for testing; conduct sampling and record test results. You also need to interpret test results.

You will need to be able to prepare materials and equipment to implement testing processes and use them in accordance with standard operations procedures. You will need to conduct tests. You will also need to be able to record and interpret the information produced to enable it to inform decisions regarding food safety.

This unit is relevant to you if your role requires you to carry out rapid hygiene testing on plant and equipment in food and drink operations.

 

In order to be assessed as competent you must demonstrate to your assessor that you can consistently perform to the requirements set out below.  Your performance evidence must include at least one observation by your assessor. 

You must be able to:

You need to show:

Evidence must be work-based, simulation alone is only allowed where shown in bold italics

1.            Prepare for testing

 

This means you:

 

Confirm that the correct documentation is available before testing begins

 

Check that testing equipment is calibrated and in a serviceable condition

 

Confirm that all required resources are available and prepared for use

 

Identify and report unserviceable equipment

 

Confirm the relevant areas to be sampled

Check that the area is safe to sample especially if guards need to be removed or safety interlocked doors opened

 

Evidence of preparing for testing in accordance with workplace procedures

 

2.            Prepare test samples

 

This means you:

 

Check the integrity of samples

 

Handle and use samples safely using aseptic techniques                                                                                                 

Evidence of preparing test samples in accordance with workplace procedures

 

3.            Conduct tests and record results:

 

This means you:

 

Carry out tests in line with standard operating procedures

 

Use positive and negative controls

 

Follow standard operating procedures to record relevant information and data

 

Interpret results both positive or negative

 

Identify potential false positive results

 

Record, investigate and report deviations from expected results to relevant staff

Evidence of conducting tests and record results in accordance with workplace procedures

 

4.            Work safely and hygienically

 

This means you:

 

Follow the environmental protection and health and safety requirements

 

Handle and dispose of other equipment and materials safely and correctly

 

Restore the working area to a condition in accordance with organisational procedures

Evidence of working safely and hygienically in accordance with workplace procedures

 

You need to know and understand:

Evidence of knowledge and understanding should be collected during observation of performance in the workplace. Where it cannot be collected by observing performance, other assessment methods should be used.

  1. The environmental protection, health and safety requirements and procedures for preparation and testing including personal protective equipment
  2. Why standard operating procedures are important and how to use them for quality control
  3. How to prepare testing equipment
  4. Features and limitations of testing equipment and how to use it safely
  5. How the equipment is calibrated
  6. Why it is important to ensure the fitness for purpose and serviceability of equipment
  7. Why it is important to report defective equipment
  8. How to identify suitable areas for testing
  9. The correct procedures and methods of testing
  10. Methods of safe storage and sample preparation
  11. How to dispose of testing materials safely
  12. Reporting procedures and actions to take in the event of product non-compliance
  13. How to calculate test results
  14. How to avoid and detect false positive results
  15. How to assess hygiene standards against company specifications using approved methods
  16. Acceptable levels of tolerance in quality interpretation and decision-making
  17. Why it is important to keep records of assessment and findings
  18. How to make recommendations for corrective actions
  19. How to access and interpret quality standards

 

Evidence of performance may employ examples of the following assessment:

  • observation
  • written and oral questioning;
  • evidence from company systems (e.g. Food Safety Management System)
  • reviewing the outcomes of work
  • checking any records of documents completed
  • checking accounts of work that the candidate or others have written