FPO mark: Meaning, Full form, and Application Process

The FPO Mark was compulsory earlier, but FSSAI has replaced the FPO system after 2006. Now, FSSAI License and FSSAI logo are mandatory—not the old FPO mark. It proves that they follow the standards originally set by the Fruit Products Order of 1955. Recently, it is integrated and regulated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Manufacturers do not use the FPO mark anymore. Only FSSAI License No. and FSSAI logo are used. It follows the specific FPO-level standards. So, businesses have to get the FSSAI license to use this mark. In this piece of writing, you will get guidance on FPO Mark. 

What is FPO Mark? 

The FPO mark is a compulsory certification mark for all processed fruit products. The full form of the FPO mark is the Food Products Order. This mark applies to food products sold in India. The products can include fruit jams, packaged fruit beverages, crushes and squashes. It can also include dehydrated fruit products, pickles, and fruit extracts. The Food Products Order, 1955, was made under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. 

The FPO mark proves that the food products are made in a hygienic and food-safe environment. It guarantees that the product is suitable for consumption. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries creates food safety hygiene standards. They also issues the FPO mark certification to processed food manufacturers. The FPO mark for food products was introduced with the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act of 2006. 

Requirements of FPO Mark Certification

In India, the FPO mark certificate made effective from 1955. Then it only become essential for manufacturers after the FSS Act was passed in 2006. This mark is important to begin a fruit processing unit or industry in India. All food processors need to have an FPO license to operate. They must follow the guidelines to keep their food business running.

This mark focuses on managing the fruits and vegetable processing sector. The government created it to prove that the food products is made safely and meets certain quality standards. 

The manufacturers must guarantee that the food products follow the set rules and standards. It also confirms customers’ confidence about the quality of food products.  

Which Food Products Need FPO Mark?

Listed below are the food products that needs FPO Mark: 

• Jellies, jams and marmalades 

• Syrups, synthetic beverages and sharbat 

• Tomato products, like sauces and ketchup 

• Dehydrated vegetables and fruits 

• Pickles 

• Vinegar (synthetic or brewed) 

• Crushes, barrelled juice, squashes, barley water, cordials, etc 

• Other beverages containing fruit pulp, juice or nectar 

• Candied, preserved and crystallized peels and fruits 

• Fruit cereal flakes 

• Chutneys 

• Bottled and canned fruits, pulps, juices and vegetables 

• Frozen vegetables and fruits 

• Sweetened aerated water without or with fruit pulps and juices 

• Any other item of vegetable or fruit not specified 

Documents needed for FPO Mark

Here are the documents needed for FPO mark: 

1. Demand draft of government fee 

2. Affidavits 

3. Partnership deed or memorandum of the company 

4. Three years of central and sales tax return 

5. List of machinery and equipment 

6. PAN number of the company 

7. Pollution certificate for NOC (No Objection Certificate) certificate 

8. Agreements or order copies for providing goods 

9. Bank account details of the company 

10. Export license number, if any 

11. Company registration certificate, if any 

12. Proof of ownership of a company or firm, like electricity bill and rental agreement 

    
    

The Food Products order from 1955 is no longer in effect due to the Food Safety and Standards Act from 2006. The FPO mark was used to certify products from 1955, but the order is no longer active. As per the new FSS Act in 2006, all previous certificates, registrations and licenses (including FPO mark and certificate) lost their official status. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has become the only group. It sets food rules and checks food safety in India. 

Additionally, FSSAI gives the FSSAI license for food and fruit products. These products made under the FPO certificate. Following 2006, The manufacturers with FPO marks must apply for a FSSAI certificate. They must also put the FSSAI mark with the license number on their products to keep making food. So, the manufacturers of food products should follow the safety, quality and hygiene standards set by the FSS Act. 

FPO Mark Application

Every food processing manufacturer must submit Form A (Application for License). It is provided under the first schedule of the Food Products Order, 1955, to the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.  

The manufacturer should fill in the required details in the license application. Listed below are the details: 

• Name and address of the applicant 

• Address of the factory or firm 

• Description of the fruit products 

• Period or Duration for which the license is needed 

• Plan of the factory and list of equipment 

• Horsepower used to manufacture products, if any 

• Installed capacity of the equipment 

• License fee paid during the previous year, if any 

• The total value of the fruit products manufactured 

• Declaration of compliance with the Food Products Order, 1955 and payment of a fee 

• Signature of the applicant 

Benefits of FPO Mark 

There are various benefits of the FPO mark for businesses and customers: 

Consumer Trust and Confidence 

The FPO mark gives assurance to the customer that the product is safe and reliable. This helps to build consumer trust and confidence. 

Market Access 

The mark has become an access to the market for the retailers and distributors. It can happen only if there is an FPO certifications in a product. So, the products can be sold any location in India. 

Regulatory Compliance 

As per the FSSAI regulations, a specified processed food products should meet the FPO standards and display the mark. If any businesses sells these products without it, it can lead to penalties. 

Quality Assurance 

The FPO (Food Products Order) mark certifies that the products meet safety and quality standards. This helps to reduce the contamination risks and foodborne illness. 

Brand Value 

A proper mark helps to make a brand stand out. Many popular fruit juice brands in India show the FPO mark to prove that they care about quality. 

Conclusion 

The FPO mark means a Fruit Products Order mark. It is a compulsory certification for processed fruit and vegetable products across India. This mark maintains the food safety and manufacturing hygiene for these food products. Recently, it is integrated under the FSSAI regulations. It continues to maintain strict quality control for popular items. Thus, the mark helps to build consumer trust and supports business growth. If you have any queries about it, get help from Online Legal India. 

FAQ 

Q1. What is the FPO Mark? 

The full form of FPO mark is Food Products Order (FPO). It is an essential certifications for all processed fruit products sold in India. The products include fruit jams, packaged fruit beverages, crushes, squashes, etc.  

Q2. Which products need the FPO mark? 

All processed fruits and vegetable foods sold across India need the FPO mark. It includes fruit juices, jams, pickles, squashes, sauces, etc.  

Q3. Who gives the FPO mark certification? 

The FPO mark certification in India issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Recently, the FSSAI manages the rules. These rules previously handled by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. 

Disclaimer 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Online Legal India is a digital platform. If you require legal assistance, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified lawyer or law firm.