What is the primary purpose of food labeling?

The primary purpose of food labeling is to inform consumers about ingredients, allergens, and storage instructions. This information is crucial for consumers to make informed choices about the foods they purchase and consume. Understanding the ingredients and potential allergens is especially important for individuals with food allergies or specific dietary restrictions, as it helps them avoid consuming something that could harm their health. Additionally, storage instructions are vital for ensuring food safety, as they guide consumers on how to properly store food items to prevent spoilage and foodborne illnesses.

While promoting sales and displaying nutritional content can be aspects of food labeling, they do not encompass the broader educational and safety-focused goals of labeling. Cooking instructions are helpful, but they are just a subset of the comprehensive information that labels provide. Therefore, the most accurate and encompassing answer to the question relates to the detailed information that food labeling is designed to communicate to consumers, ensuring their safety and informed decision-making.