In response to concerns that consumers ignore calorie counts on restaurant menus, policymakers have implemented laws requiring prominent labeling. Researchers investigated whether these labels actually changed dining habits. They tracked orders at fifty restaurants and found that the labels had a negligible effect on the total calories purchased. The researchers asserted that the labels might still be useful, however, as they encourage restaurants to offer healthier options to avoid displaying high numbers.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the text as a whole?
It points out a potential benefit of the labeling laws that the researchers acknowledged despite the lack of consumer change.
It admits that the study was flawed because it did not track the restaurants' recipes.
It argues that the laws should be removed because they are ineffective.
It suggests that consumers actually did change their habits, but the data was lost.
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The text says the labels didn't change consumer habits (bad news). The underlined part says they "might still be useful" because they change restaurant behavior (good news). This points out a potential benefit despite the main finding.
Choice B is incorrect. It doesn't admit a flaw; it shifts the perspective of utility. Choice C is incorrect. It argues they are useful, not that they should be removed. Choice D is incorrect. It accepts the data that consumers didn't change.