Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of a nutritional label?

1. To improve food aesthetics

2. To inform consumers about nutritional content

3. To enhance food flavor

4. To provide cooking instructions

The correct answer is: To inform consumers about nutritional content

The primary purpose of a nutritional label is to inform consumers about the nutritional content of the food they are purchasing. Nutritional labels provide essential information such as the amount of calories, fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals present in a food item. This information empowers consumers to make informed choices about their diets based on their individual health needs, dietary restrictions, or nutritional goals. Understanding the nutritional content helps consumers evaluate how a specific food fits into their overall dietary plan, particularly in managing conditions like obesity, diabetes, or heart disease. By examining labels, consumers can compare products and choose options that align best with their desired dietary intake, ultimately promoting healthier eating habits. While aspects like food aesthetics, flavor, and cooking instructions are important in the broader context of food preparation and enjoyment, they do not represent the core function of nutritional labeling, which focuses specifically on communicating health-related information.