Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

How does the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulate food labeling?

1. By banning all health claims on food labeling

2. By setting standards for nutritional labeling and claims

3. By allowing any claims if there is a disclaimer

4. By promoting organic labeling

The correct answer is: By setting standards for nutritional labeling and claims

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a crucial role in regulating food labeling to ensure that consumers have access to accurate and truthful information about the food products they purchase. Setting standards for nutritional labeling and claims is one of the primary functions of the FDA. This includes establishing guidelines for nutritional facts, serving sizes, and the types of claims that can be made on food labels, such as "low fat" or "high in fiber." By enforcing these standards, the FDA helps to prevent misleading information and ensures that consumers are informed about the nutritional content and health benefits of food products. This regulatory framework is vital in promoting public health as it encourages manufacturers to provide clear and understandable information, aiding consumers in making healthier choices. Other options reflect different aspects of food labeling but do not accurately describe the FDA's comprehensive role. For example, banning all health claims would be too stringent and counterproductive to informing consumers about potential benefits. Allowing any claims with disclaimers could lead to misinformation, diluting the effectiveness of the regulations. Promoting organic labeling, while important, is just one facet of the broader regulatory landscape the FDA oversees, and does not encompass the entire scope of food labeling regulations.