What is the role of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding nutrition?

The role of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding nutrition primarily focuses on ensuring that food labeling is accurate and that food products are safe for consumption. This includes the regulation of claims made on food packaging, such as nutritional content and health benefits. The FDA oversees the standards for what can be included on labels, ensuring that consumers receive truthful information that allows them to make informed choices about the foods they consume.

By regulating food safety, the FDA helps prevent foodborne illnesses and ensures that food products meet certain safety standards. This oversight extends to ingredients, processing, and packaging, which all contribute to the overall safety and nutritional quality of food products available in the marketplace.

In contrast, the other choices involve aspects that fall outside the FDA’s jurisdiction or mission. For example, the FDA does not regulate individual activity levels, mandate a specific diet for citizens, or limit itself to promoting only organic foods. Its primary goal is to enhance public health through accurate information and safe food practices.