What is the primary purpose of food labels?

The primary purpose of food labels is to inform consumers of preparation instructions. This is essential because proper preparation ensures that the food is safe to eat and meets the necessary cooking guidelines to eliminate any harmful pathogens. Preparation instructions may include cooking times, temperatures, and specific methods to follow, ensuring that consumers handle and prepare the food correctly for safe consumption.

While marketing details play a role in enticing customers, they are not the primary function of food labels. The indication of the manufacturer is also important but mainly serves as a means of accountability or contact, rather than a main purpose of the label. Nutritional value is indeed listed on food labels, but it is typically accompanied by more detail than just a simple list, offering consumers comprehensive information about the food they are purchasing and consuming.