What is the purpose of food labels?

The purpose of food labels is to provide essential product information, including a list of ingredients and potential allergens. This is crucial for consumers who may have dietary restrictions or allergies, as it allows them to make informed choices about the foods they consume. Understanding the ingredients is not only important for safety—such as avoiding allergens—but it also helps consumers adhere to specific dietary preferences or nutritional guidelines.

While promotional information, expiration dates, and enhancing food appearance can be associated with food products, they do not encompass the primary function of a food label. The core responsibility of food labeling lies in informing consumers about what is in their food and ensuring safety by clearly indicating allergens.