Final answer:
A consumer advisory must be posted by food establishments when offering raw or undercooked food to warn customers of potential health risks. The practice stems from FDA guidelines and is part of a broader regulatory framework governed by the FTC to ensure truthful advertising and consumer safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
A consumer advisory must be posted whenever a restaurant or food establishment offers food that is raw or undercooked or contains raw or undercooked ingredients. This advisory serves to inform consumers of the potential risks associated with consuming such foods. The requirement to provide a consumer advisory comes from local health departments following the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) guidelines to ensure public safety and full disclosure of foodborne illness risks. Restaurants must clearly identify which foods can be ordered raw or undercooked and the associated health risks.
In broader terms, businesses are subjected to various regulations that mandate the disclosure of information to protect consumers. For instance, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) checks factual claims in advertisements to prevent false or misleading statements that could constitute fraud.
In the context of advertising and consumer advisories, the principle of Caveat emptor—"let the buyer beware"—is important, but it's also clear that there are legislative and regulatory measures in place to safeguard consumers against fraudulent practices and health risks.