What is one purpose of ethical standards in food and consumer sciences?

One primary purpose of ethical standards in food and consumer sciences is to guide professionals in making moral decisions. These standards establish a framework for what is considered acceptable behavior in the industry, ensuring that professionals act with integrity and accountability. By following ethical principles, individuals in food and consumer sciences can address issues such as food safety, sustainability, and equitable treatment of consumers. This guidance helps foster trust between consumers and producers, leading to more responsible practices and better overall outcomes for society.

The other options do not align with the fundamental role of ethical standards. For instance, limiting consumer access to products is contrary to promoting consumer rights and welfare. Ensuring competitive pricing may be a goal of market practices but does not fall under the realm of ethics directly. Lastly, ethical standards aim to promote best practices, not to eliminate regulations, which are essential for consumer protection and public health.