Standard Marks: Insurance Of Your Products

"Let the eye of vigilance never be closed"

-Thomas Jefferson

In the very tune of quotation, here's a blog present in the interest of consumers to make them aware of the importance of standard marks. 

A standardization mark is a mark or a symbol given to a product that meets certain standards concerning the quality in terms of material used, method of manufacturing, labelling, packaging and performance, etc.

Some Of The Main Standardisation Marks Are:

FSSAI (Food Safety and Standard Authority of India)- The purpose of creating FSSAI(an independent statutory authority under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) was to establish a single reference point for all matters relating to food safety and standards. Its main objective is to regulate the manufacturer, storage, distribution, sale and import of all articles of food to ensure the availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption. It lays down standards and guidelines for all articles of food and issues licenses to food business operators.

FSSAI logo with its license number is found on all foods; for example-biscuits, iodised salt, wheat flour, tomato ketchup, coffee, oil, etc.

Similarly, ISI is a certification mark of quality given by the Bureau of Indian Standards(BIS), Indian Standard Institution. It prescribes standards for product specifications, methods of testing, etc. After every 5 years, each standard mark is reviewed for amendment. ISI develops awareness among manufacturers and encourages them to produce quality products. All electrical appliances, LPG cylinders, gas stoves, gas pipelines, thermometers, pressure cookers, etc have mandatory ISI certification. Moreover, the products such as condensed milk, sweetened milk, milk powder, packaged mineral water, custard powder, etc. must obtain an ISI mark.

AG MARK was set up by the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection of the Government of India. It establishes norms for agricultural and livestock products at natural and processed stages. AG mark acts as a third party guarantee to quality certification. It ensures the quality and purity of a product. After obtaining a license from FSSAI, companies can apply for this mark. 

AG mark is given to ghee, oil, butter, rice, eggs, saffron, asafoetida, pulses, spices, cocoa powder, etc.

FPO (Fruit Product Order) mark was named after the law called fruit product order(1955). After the food safety and standards Act in 2006, it became mandatory for all processed and packaged fruit products to be certified with FPO or FSSAI mark.

All food processors have to follow the guidelines given by FPO and perform the following functions to ensure that the food is reliable and fit for consumption-

• It lays minimum standards relating to the quality of variously preserved foods made from fruits and vegetables.

• It also lays standards of hygiene and sanitation of personnel, premises and surroundings.

• It checks the machinery and equipment capacity, quality control facility and technical staff.

• It also gives instructions for packaging, labelling & temperatures of the containers.

FPO mark is given to pickles, jams, jellies, squashes, fruit juices, sauces, frozen fruits & vegetables, vinegar, canned foods, dehydrated or frozen dried fruits & vegetables, cider & wine, etc.

Other than these standard marks that ensure the quality of eatable products, there are also standard marks available for other goods. 

For instance, Wool-mark is the standard mark of quality of the International Wool Secretariat for wool or woollen garments. It indicates that the wool is pure. 

Similarly, the Silk mark is a quality assurance label for silk. It is promoted by the Silk Mark Organisation of India (SMOI). It assures consumers of the purity and quality of silk. 

In addition, there's another mark called Hallmark, which is awarded to silver, gold and platinum jewellery. It indicates that the metal has been evaluated and tested. It also ensures that the metal used conforms to the national/international standard of purity. The symbol is so small that it may not be visible easily. It is consists of five parts: logo of BIS standard mark, fitness/purity number, logo mark of Assaying and Hallmarking centre, code letter of the year of marketing, and jewellers' logo.

Eco-mark is another mark that has been introduced by BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards). It is given to 'products which meets the standards set by BIS and which are recycled, biodegradable and environment friendly. 

Eco mark is given to textiles, soaps and detergents, paints, paper, cosmetics, edible and lubricating oils, electronic compliances, packaging material, processed and infant foods, coffee, tea, beverages, preservatives and food additives, aerosols, battery, plastics, etc.

Now, the consumers' 'rights and responsibilities' both go hand in hand. To be able to exercise one's right it is necessary to be aware of one's duty. Therefore, everyone needs to be aware of their responsibilities as consumers.

Stay Smart & Stay Satark ! 💙

    Blog By ~ Sakshi & Riya