Food labelling refers to the information given on a foodstuff in connection with sales. Food labelling allows the consumers to compare different products and choose the most suitable one. Food labels give information on the composition of the food, its origins, production practices and the proper use of the product.
Food labelling also gives information on the nutritional quality of the food. This helps consumers to make healthy choices.
Finland’s nutrition policies are the responsibility of several administrative sectors. In addition to food safety legislation, nutrition policies are also linked to wider policies on health, physical education, food production, food supply and environmental protection.
National nutrition recommendations are issued by the National Nutrition Council and form the core of Finland’s nutrition policies. The role of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is mainly to control the information given to consumers and the nutritional composition of foods. The Ministry also controls the addition of certain substances to foodstuffs, including dietary supplements.