Ainesosatiedot

Ainesosatiedot is a Finnish term that translates literally to "ingredient information." It refers to the list of substances that make up a product, most commonly used in the context of food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The information is required by law in many countries to inform consumers about what they are ingesting or using, and to aid in the detection of allergens, contaminants, and potential health hazards.

In Finland, as part of the European Union regulations, manufacturers must provide a complete and accurate list of ingredients on the product’s label. This requirement follows the EU Food Information to Consumers Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, which obliges producers to display all ingredients in descending order of their weight at the time of manufacture. The list must also include any potential allergens, indicated in a separate “allergen” statement, and the quantities of certain ingredients that are regulated or restricted.

The notation of ainesosatiedot is standardized across the EU: the words “aineosatietoa” or the English “ingredients list” are present on the labeling of food and cosmetic items. For pharmaceuticals, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health publishes a “Substance Information Library” that complements the ainesosatiedot with detailed pharmacological data.

Consumers use ainesosatiedot to make informed choices, avoid allergens, and monitor for specific health-related concerns such as sodium, sugar, or preservative levels. The transparency offered by the ingredient list also supports public health initiatives, enabling authorities to track the prevalence of certain substances and to enforce safe manufacturing practices.