Question

As per FPO which of the following is not true for canning of fruits?

• A. No preservative shall be added
• B. Drained weight not less than 50%
• C. The can shall not show any positive pressure at sea level
  (4) Head space in can should be more than 1.6 cm
• D.

Hint:

FPO guidelines for canned fruits ensure quality:
Preservatives: Generally not allowed (heat sterilizes).
Drained Weight: Minimum fruit content (e.g., >50%).
Can Pressure: Should have vacuum (no bulging).
Headspace: Needs to be adequate but not excessive. Typically 0.6-1.2 cm. "More than 1.6 cm" is too large.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The Fruit Products Order (FPO) in India lays down specifications for fruit products to ensure quality and safety. We need to identify which statement is NOT true for canning of fruits as per FPO (or general good canning practices often reflected in such orders).
(1) No preservative shall be added: For thermally processed canned fruits, the preservation is achieved by heat sterilization (killing microorganisms) and hermetic sealing (preventing recontamination). Generally, chemical preservatives (Class II preservatives) are not permitted or needed in such heat-sterilized canned fruits. This statement is generally true as per FPO guidelines for typical canned fruits.
(2) Drained weight not less than 50%: FPO specifies minimum drained weights for canned fruits to ensure consumers get a fair amount of fruit solids relative to the packing medium (syrup). A minimum of 50% drained weight is a common requirement for many fruits. This is true.
(3) The can shall not show any positive pressure at sea level: A properly processed and sealed can should have a vacuum inside. Positive pressure (bulging) can indicate spoilage due to gas production by microorganisms or chemical reactions. This statement is true.
(4) Head space in can should be more than 1.6 cm: Headspace is the unfilled space between the top of the food product and the lid of the can. Adequate headspace is crucial for forming a proper vacuum during cooling and to allow for expansion of contents during heating. However, excessive headspace can lead to too much residual air and potential oxidation. Typical headspace for canned fruits is usually around 0.6 cm to 1.2 cm (1/4 to 1/2 inch). A requirement for headspace to be *more than* 1.6 cm (which is over 5/8 inch) is generally not true; it would likely be considered excessive and could lead to underfilling or quality issues. The requirement is usually for a specific range, not "more than" such a large value. Therefore, the statement that is not true is about the excessive headspace. Head space in can should be more than 1.6 cm

Answer 2

Purpose-of-headspace approach:
Headspace exists in a can so that, on cooling after sterilisation, the trapped air and vapour contract enough to pull the lid slightly inward, creating the vacuum that keeps the seal safe from spoilage organisms and signals proper processing.

For this purpose, only a small headspace is needed - typically in the range of about 0.3 to 1 cm for most canned fruit packs. If headspace exceeded 1.6 cm, it would leave excess trapped air that promotes oxidation, discolouration and loss of vacuum quality, and it would also mean underfilled cans, which goes against FPO fill-of-container norms.

The other listed requirements - no added preservative, minimum 50% drained weight, and no positive pressure at sea level - are all genuine, correct FPO stipulations for canned fruit. Only the "headspace more than 1.6 cm" claim is incorrect, making it the answer.