Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
21/07/2026 11:29 PM AWST

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Apply principles of food packaging

Apply principles of food packaging

Unit of competency
National Code
FDFTEC4008A
State Code
D4745
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
31/01/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/08/2014
Field of Education
030307 - Food Processing Technology
Original Release Date
04/08/2014
Nominal Hours
45
Description
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to oversee packaging operations and assess the nature and likely causes of packaging problems.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify characteristics of packaging suitable for use with food products
  • 1.1. Packaging materials suitable for food application are identified
  • 1.2. Packaging interactions with food products are identified
  • 1.3. Environmental impact and handling features of packaging materials are identified
  • 1.4. Customer and legal requirements of packaging are identified
  • 1.5. Packaging material characteristics meet the needs of the food to be packaged
2. Apply packaging knowledge in a production environment
  • 2.1. Properties of packaging materials used in a packaging process are identified
  • 2.2. Costs of packaging materials are identified
  • 2.3. Procedures for safe operation of the packaging process are established and/or reviewed
  • 2.4. Out-of-specification packaging outcomes are analysed to identify probable cause
  • 2.5. Opportunities for improvement to materials, processes or environmental impacts are identified and investigated within level of technical responsibility
  • 2.6. Proposals for improvement are developed and implemented within level of authority and according to company procedures
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Policies and procedures
Product packaging and related work processes are consistent with company policies and procedures, regulatory and licensing requirements, legislative requirements, and industrial awards and agreements and takes account of occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental impact
Packaging processes and technologies
Packaging processes and technologies include:
active packaging materials
vacuum packing
gas flushing or sparging
MAP
Out-of-specification results
Follow-up action in response to out-of-specification results occurs in consultation with the relevant quality/technical expert responsible for packaging specifications
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment
Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed. Competence in this unit must be achieved in accordance with food safety standards and regulations.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of ability to:
analyse packaging system components, including materials used and interaction with product, costs, processes, legal and customer requirements and environmental and handling implications
analyse and confirm safety aspects of processes and equipment
analyse non-conformances and packaging problems and determine probable cause
propose improvements to the packaging system.

Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to:
packaging specifications
product, packaging components and consumables
packaging process equipment
relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs)
communication systems
workplace information recording systems, requirements and procedures.

Method of assessment
This unit should be assessed together with core units and other units of competency relevant to the function or work role.

Guidance information for assessment
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
W1223 FDFTECPAK4A Apply principles of food packaging Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAN28 FBPTEC4002 Apply principles of food packaging Unit of competency