Decree of the Ministry of Trade and Industry on foods for special medical purposes (No. 406 of 2000).

The present Decree, of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, implements Commission Directive 1999/21/EC on dietary foods for special medical purposes. It applies to the composition, packaging labels, and marketing of foods for special nutritional purposes as referred to in Section 3. As regards foods for special medical purposes intended for infants, the specific provisions for special preparations for infants must also be observed. Foods for special medical purposes are defined as foods for special nutritional purposes, specifically prepared or formulated, and intended for the dietary management of patients under medical supervision. Section 3 classifies them into three different groups. The foods for special nutritional purposes referred to in this Decree shall be sold under the designation "foods for special medical purposes" (kliininen ravintovalmiste). The Finnish Food Authority shall be notified when a product covered by this Decree is first to be placed on the market in Finland. The notification must include a sample of the label with the intended packaging information. Products that do not meet the requirements of this regulation may still be sold until October 31, 2001.