Interpretation of instructions
An authority’s actions must be based on the powers granted to it by legislation, and laws must be strictly adhered to in activities performed as a public authority. By their legal nature, instructions issued by authorities are not binding on other authorities or actors. Issues concerning application of legislation are ultimately settled in a court of law.
Finnish Food Authority’s instructions include both direct quotations from legislation and interpretations on the application of legislation. It is explained in the instructions how legislation has been differentiated from Finnish Food Authority’s interpretation and which laws are referred to. The interpretations presented in the instructions are Finnish Food Authority’s views of how the legislation should be applied.