Dietetic Technician Practice Test

What is the type of federal regulation that defines bittersweet chocolate must contain at least 35% cocoa butter with a 30-35% fat content?

1. Standards of fill

2. Standards of identity

3. Standards of quality

4. Standards of labeling

The correct answer is: Standards of identity

The correct answer is standards of identity. These regulations are established by federal law to define what a specific food product must contain to be marketed under a certain name. In the case of bittersweet chocolate, the regulation specifies that it must contain at least 35% cocoa butter and have a fat content between 30-35%. This ensures consistency in the product, allowing consumers to have a clear understanding of what they are purchasing and ensuring that manufacturers adhere to these guidelines to maintain product integrity. Standards of identity are critical in the food industry because they help prevent misleading claims and provide assurance to consumers regarding the composition of the product. This is particularly important in categories like chocolate, where variations can significantly impact taste and quality. On the other hand, standards of fill pertain to the quantity of product in a container, standards of quality relate to the grade or quality of a food product, and standards of labeling involve the information that must be provided on the packaging. While all are important, only standards of identity specifically address the composition and quality characteristics required for a product to be labeled as bittersweet chocolate.