In India, where the food processing industry is one of the largest in the world, ensuring the quality and safety of the food products is of foremost importance. To protect various consumers and to standardise various food products, the government has introduced the process of FPO mark certification, a symbol that indicates the quality assurance for the processed fruits and vegetables.
The FPO, which is referred to as the Fruit Products Order mark, indicates that a product complies with the various Fruit Products Order, 1955, which is issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. This certification guarantees that products such as fruit juices, jams, squashes, pickles and ketchup, etc., are manufactured in the required hygienic conditions and meet specified quality standards.
In this blog, we will explore what the FPO mark means, its objectives, certification process, eligibility and its importance for both businesses and consumers.
What is FPO Mark Certification?
The FPO mark certification serves as a quality assurance label, which is granted by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries or the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India for processed fruit and vegetable products.
The term “FPO” refers to the Fruit Products Order, which was introduced in 1955 to regulate and manage the process of manufacture, distribution, storage and sale of processed fruit and vegetable products in India.
Every such packaged fruit or vegetable product that bears the specific FPO mark indicates that it meets the minimum quality standards, hygiene and labelling as defined by Indian law.
Objectives of FPO Certification
The FPO certification serves several crucial purposes, both for producers and consumers: –
- Ensuring Food Quality: It sets uniform standards for processing, packaging and labelling of fruit and vegetable products.
- Consumer Safety: The certification ensures that food products are manufactured in the prescribed hygienic environments and are safe for the purpose of consumption.
- Preventing Adulteration: By regulating production, FPO reduces the risk of adulteration and also substandard food items in the market.
- Promoting Standardization: It brings uniformity in production processes across manufacturers, enhancing consumer confidence.
- Supporting Exports: FPO-certified products are recognized for their quality, helping Indian companies compete in international markets.
Products Covered Under FPO
The FPO mark applies to a wide range of processed fruit and vegetable products, including but not limited to:
- Fruit juices and beverages.
- Jams, jellies and marmalades.
- Fruit pulps and concentrates.
- Squashes, syrups and crushes.
- Pickles and chutneys.
- Tomato ketchup and sauces.
- Canned fruits and vegetables.
- Dehydrated fruit and vegetable products…!
Essentially, if any processed product derived from particular fruits or vegetables that is sold commercially in India can fall easily under the concept of FPO certification requirement.
Eligibility for FPO Certification
Any manufacturer or processor involved in producing or packaging fruit and vegetable products is eligible to apply for FPO certification, provided they meet the following basic requirements:
- Registered Business: The applicant must be a legally registered business entity (proprietorship, partnership, company or cooperative society).
- Processing Unit: The business must have a hygienically maintained processing facility that meets FPO and FSSAI standards.
- Laboratory Facilities: A basic quality control lab should be available to test raw materials and finished products.
- Qualified Staff: The company should employ technically qualified staff (such as food technologists) for supervision.
- Compliance with Hygiene Norms: The premises, equipment and handling practices must comply with safety and hygiene norms laid down by the authorities.
Procedure to Obtain FPO Certification
Obtaining FPO certification involves a series of steps designed to ensure that the manufacturing unit and products meet required standards. Here’s how the process generally works:
1. Application Submission
The manufacturer must submit an application in the prescribed form to the Regional Office of FSSAI or MoFPI. The application should include:
- Details of the business and manufacturing unit
- Product list and production capacity
- Plant layout and machinery details
- Laboratory and staff information
2. Inspection of the Manufacturing Unit
After receiving the application, an authorized officer conducts a detailed inspection of the production facility to assess: –
- Sanitary and hygiene conditions.
- Raw material sourcing.
- Equipment and storage facilities.
- Quality control procedures.
3. Sample Testing
Samples of products are collected and sent to an approved laboratory for testing against prescribed quality and safety measures.
4. Issue of License
If the unit meets all criteria and the products pass required testing, the licensing authority will issue an FPO license number and also authorizes the manufacturer to display the FPO mark on their specific products.
5. Renewal and Compliance
The FPO license is generally valid for a specific period (usually one to five years), and it must be renewed before expiry. Regular inspections ensure ongoing compliance.
Documents Required for FPO Certification
Applicants must provide the following documents: –
- Application form with business details
- Identity and address proof of the applicant
- Certificate of incorporation/partnership deed
- List of machinery and production process flowchart
- Product list with formulation details
- Food safety management plan
- NOC from local authority (if applicable)
- Water analysis report
- Layout plan of the factory premises
- Details of technical staff and lab facilities
Benefits of FPO Mark Certification
For Manufacturers:
- Legal Compliance: It enables the lawful production and sale of processed fruit and vegetable products.
- Market Credibility: It helps to enhance consumer trust and brand reputation as well.
- Export Advantage: FPO-certified products are most preferred in the global markets for quality assurance.
- Improved Quality Management: It encourages for the purpose of better hygiene and safety practices in manufacturing.
For Consumers:
- Quality Assurance: It helps to ensure that the product is manufactured under strict quality norms.
- Health Protection: It minimize the risk of contamination or adulteration.
- Transparency: The FPO mark acts as a visible sign of reliability and authenticity.
Conclusion
The FPO mark certification has played an important role in the process of standardising and also ensures the quality of India’s processed fruit and vegetable products for several decades. Although the FPO system has now been largely integrated into the broader FSSAI framework, the FPO mark continues to symbolize the element of trust, hygiene and compliance for millions of consumers.
For businesses, obtaining a FPO certification (or equivalent FSSAI license) is not merely a legal requirement but also a strategic move toward building consumer confidence and expanding into new markets.
In a world increasingly conscious about food safety and quality, the FPO mark remains a timeless emblem of purity, reliability and trust in Indian processed foods.
