Elintarvikemerkinnät

Elintarvikemerkinnät refers to the labeling of food products in Finland. These labels provide consumers with essential information about the food they are purchasing and consuming. The primary goal of elintarvikemerkinnät is to ensure consumer safety and to facilitate informed purchasing decisions.

Key information found on food labels includes the product name, list of ingredients, net quantity, durability or best before date, storage instructions, country of origin or place of provenance, name and address of the food business operator, and nutritional information. Allergens must be clearly indicated in the ingredient list, often highlighted in bold or a different color for easy identification.

The regulations governing elintarvikemerkinnät are based on European Union legislation, ensuring a harmonized approach across member states. In Finland, the Authority for Food Safety (Ruokavirasto) oversees the implementation and enforcement of these regulations. This includes checks on food businesses to ensure compliance with labeling requirements.

Beyond mandatory information, labels may also include voluntary claims such as "organic" or "low fat," which must also adhere to specific rules to prevent misleading consumers. Understanding elintarvikemerkinnät is crucial for consumers to make healthy choices, manage dietary restrictions, and be aware of the food's journey from production to their table.