FPO (Fruit Products Order, India) Established in 1955 under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, the FPO aims to ensure the manufacture, sale, and distribution of fruit and vegetable products meet specified safety and quality standards in India.
In India, this order regulates the production and distribution of fruit and vegetable products.
It ensures that these products meet certain quality and safety standards before they reach consumers.
Objective:
To standardize the quality of processed fruit and vegetable products like jams, jellies, and juices.
To ensure that all fruit and vegetable processing units conform to hygienic and safety norms.
To inspect and certify processing units to ensure compliance with established standards.
To facilitate the export of quality certified fruit and vegetable products by meeting international norms.
Functions:
1. Licensing:
The FPO licenses manufacturers of fruit and vegetable products.
This ensures that only facilities meeting the FPO’s hygiene and safety standards are allowed to operate.
2. Standard Setting:
Sets standards for the quality of fruit and vegetable products, including specifications for ingredients, processing methods, and packaging.
These standards ensure that products are safe for consumption and of high quality.
3. Inspection and Monitoring:
Conducts inspections of manufacturing facilities to ensure compliance with its standards.
Focuses on facilities’ adherence to hygiene and safety norms, and the quality of raw materials and finished products.
4. Regulatory Enforcement:
Enforces compliance when manufacturers fail to meet established standards.
Can revoke licenses and mandate recalls of non-compliant products.