Final answer:
The term "as packaged" means the nutrient values listed on a nutrition facts label are reflective of the food in its packaged state, untouched and not prepared.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term "as packaged" in the context of nutritional information refers to the nutrient values that are provided for the food in the state that it is sold. These values do not account for any changes that might occur from preparation, such as cooking or adding other ingredients.
Essentially, this declaration means that the nutrition facts label is reporting the amounts of nutrients and calories that are present in the food as it is sealed within the package and before it is prepared or consumed. Option 'a' is the correct answer which states that the nutritional value is equivalent to what they put on the box. This is an important piece of information for consumers who need to understand how much of specific nutrients like fat, sodium, sugar, or protein they will be eating when they consume the packaged food as sold.
For example, the label on a jar of peanut butter might indicate that one serving contains 7 grams of protein and 15 grams of fat. This information is referring to the contents of the peanut butter as packaged, not peanut butter that has been spread on bread or mixed into a smoothie. The ingredients of a food product are also listed on the packaging in descending order of weight, suggesting that the first ingredient is the one found in the greatest quantity in the food product.