Final answer:
The government requires nutrition fact labels primarily to educate the public on the nutrient values in food products, aiding in informed dietary choices and promoting health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The government's interest in requiring nutrition fact labels is primarily to help educate the public as to the nutrient values in food products. These labels provide essential information about the nutritional content and ingredients in packaged food, allowing consumers to make informed decisions about their diet. The labels indicate nutrient content per serving and can guide individuals to choose foods higher in beneficial nutrients such as fiber and protein, and lower in less desirable nutrients such as sodium and sugar.
Moreover, the inclusion of nutrition facts labels is a reflection of government agencies' roles, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in enforcing safety regulations in food production and informing the public. Consumers can use the information provided on these labels to select more nutritious options and avoid processed ingredients which may have fewer nutrients due to the removal of natural components during processing.