What amendment did the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 make regarding food labeling?

The Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) of 1990 significantly impacted food labeling regulations, particularly concerning health claims associated with food products. This legislation helped clarify the distinction between health claims, which can legally communicate certain nutritional benefits, and disease-prevention claims, which are subject to more stringent regulations akin to those for pharmaceuticals.

The correct choice highlights that the NLEA prohibits disease-prevention claims unless they comply with FDA drug regulations. This ensures that any assertion related to the prevention of a disease must be backed by substantial scientific evidence and receive prior approval from the FDA, similar to how medications are regulated. This regulation protects consumers from misleading claims that could suggest a food product has therapeutic effects, which could otherwise blur the lines between food and drugs.

In contrast, while the act did enhance certain standards related to nutritional information and established guidelines for health claims, it did not allow unrestricted health claims or define organic standards, which are usually governed by different regulations. Thus, the act’s prohibition on disease-prevention claims unless compliant with stringent drug standards is a key aspect of ensuring consumer safety and maintaining clarity in food labeling.