Final answer:
The 1990 Nutrition Education and Labeling Act requires packaged foods and indirectly affects restaurants as well. Restaurants must comply with labeling requirements for packaged or pre-made food items and have started providing nutritional information for menu items to help consumers make informed choices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 1990 Nutrition Education and Labeling Act has a significant impact on restaurants. This law requires packaged foods to carry a nutrition facts label, which shows the nutrient content and ingredients of the food. While the law primarily focuses on packaged foods, it indirectly affects restaurants as well.
Many restaurants also offer packaged or pre-made food items, such as condiments, sauces, dressings, and desserts. These products are subject to the same labeling requirements as packaged foods. Therefore, restaurants must ensure that the labels on these items are accurate and comply with the law.
Besides the labeling requirements, the Nutrition Education and Labeling Act has also raised awareness about nutrition and healthy eating. This has influenced consumer preferences and led to changes in restaurant menus. Many restaurants now provide nutritional information for their menu items, including calorie counts and ingredient lists, to help consumers make informed choices.