The FPO mark is a certification mark that is obligatory on all processed fruit products sold in India, including packaged fruit beverages, fruit jams, squashes, pickles, dehydrated fruit products, and fruit extracts. This requirement is in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. The presence of the FPO mark assures consumers that the product was produced in a hygienic and safe environment, confirming its suitability for consumption.

These standards have been enforced since 1955 under the Fruit Products Order law, from which the mark derives its name. However, it was only after the implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 that the FPO mark became mandatory. Obtaining an FPO license is essential to establish a fruit processing industry in India. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries of the Government of India is responsible for developing the necessary standards and issuing the FPO mark.

The specific requirements outlined by FPO include the following:

    Containers and labeling: Guidelines on the types of containers and labeling standards for fruit products.

    Limits of poisonous metals: Specifies the acceptable limits of poisonous metals in fruit products to ensure consumer safety.

    List of permissible harmless food colors: Provides a list of food colors that are considered safe to be used in fruit products.

    Limits for permitted preservatives: Sets limits on the amount of preservatives allowed in fruit products to maintain quality and safety.

    Other permitted additives: Specifies the types and quantities of other additives that are permitted in fruit products.

The following are the essential documents that need to be provided to the Ministry of Food Processing in India while submitting an application:

Name of the product

    Name of the applicant

    Name of the company or corporation

    Address of the applicant

Sample of the product

Updated on: December 18th, 2023