| Q.I. |
What are the quality certifications required for agro processing industry? |
| ANS. |
F.P.O: Any food (fruit and vegetables) processing unit has to register itself under Food Product Order (FPO). The unit has to manufacture products in conformity with the sanitary requirements and appropriate standard of quality and composition as specified, norms of minimum area required for manufacturing & storage, and minimum production permissible. Qualification of technical staff and minimum equipment are also specified and are subject to inspection under the act.
ISI Mark : The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has evolved standards for monitoring the quality of finished products by laying down the specifications for each product and its testing methods and those units that comply with these standards and register themselves with BIS and agree to pay the prescribed fee are allowed to use the ISI logo on the product as mark of quality.
AGMARK: AGMARK is akin to the ISI mark but specific for food products and the Department of Agriculture marketing and inspection, Government of India (GOI), gives this certification. The Department has offices in every state to facilitate the entrepreneurs. Agmark certification is optional depending upon the need for quality assurance by the customers. |
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