Finland: Mandatory labeling of meat origin.

In Finland, the origin of meat must be prominently displayed on food packaging in the future. The legislative change, according to the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture, came into effect in June 2025 and applies to all food items containing more than 15% meat.

This information must be printed in sufficiently large font size of at least 3 millimeters and supplements the already mandatory origin labeling in the ingredient list.

Origin labeling for more informed purchasing decisions

The reform aims to facilitate informed purchasing decisions. Previously, it was difficult for consumers to assess whether a seemingly Finnish product consisted of domestic, imported, or both types of meat. The amendment is intended to make it easier for consumers to buy domestic food.

If the origin of the meat used in the food varies, a more general indication such as "several EU countries" or "several non-EU countries" is also permitted, according to departmental information.

Desire for European regulation

Finland has long advocated for mandatory origin labeling of food at the EU level. However, since a harmonized regulation is not in sight, Finland legislatively regulated the indication of the origin of certain foods at the national level in 2017.

This law applies to meat used as an ingredient in a food product, as well as to drinking milk and milk processed in dairy products and certain similar preparations.