Elintarvielain

Elintarvielain is a Finnish term that translates to "foodstuff law" or "food law". It encompasses the body of legislation, regulations, and administrative provisions that govern the production, processing, distribution, and sale of food products in Finland. The primary objective of elintarvielain is to ensure the safety and wholesomeness of food available to consumers, thereby protecting public health.

Key areas covered by elintarvielain include hygiene standards in food establishments, requirements for labeling and packaging, control of contaminants and allergens, and the prevention of misleading practices. It also addresses the traceability of food products throughout the supply chain, allowing for swift recalls if necessary.

The enforcement of elintarvielain is primarily the responsibility of the Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto), which works in conjunction with municipal health authorities. Inspections, sampling, and risk assessments are common tools used to ensure compliance. The legislation is regularly updated to align with European Union regulations, as Finland is a member state. Compliance with elintarvielain is mandatory for all businesses operating within the Finnish food sector.