Säilyvyyssääntöihin

Säilyvyyssääntöihin is a Finnish term describing the body of rules and guidelines that govern the shelf life of products, particularly in the food sector. The term combines säilyvyys (shelf life) with sääntö (rule) and the suffix -ihin, indicating the rules to which products must conform to remain safe and acceptable for consumption.

Scope and application: The rules cover how long a product can be stored, under which conditions, and how it should be labeled. They inform dating practices such as use-by dates and best-before dates, as well as storage instructions, packaging requirements, and handling during transport and retail display. They are used by manufacturers to determine shelf life, by retailers in stock management, and by authorities in regulating labeling and safety.

Regulatory context: In Finland and the European Union, shelf life rules are part of food information to consumers legislation and general food safety rules. Compliance is overseen by food safety authorities, and violations can lead to product recalls or penalties. The rules aim to reduce food waste by ensuring accurate dates and proper storage guidance throughout the supply chain.

Impact: Clear and accurate säilyvyyssääntöihin help consumers make informed choices and help prevent spoilage and foodborne illness. They also support quality control, batch traceability, and supply-chain integrity.

See also: Shelf life, Use-by date, Best-before date, Food labeling, HACCP, Food safety authority.