Which two important pieces of information should always be included on a food label?

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of clear identification and traceability of food products, which are crucial for consumer safety and informed decision-making. The name on a food label allows consumers to recognize the product and understand what they are purchasing, while the date provides information on freshness, expiration, or best-by guidelines that can affect food safety and quality.

While the other options include valuable information, they do not encompass these fundamentals. Ingredients and weight, for example, provide critical details about what is in the food, yet they do not assist in understanding the product's identification or safety timeline like the name and date do. Nutrition facts and cooking instructions are indeed useful for consumers concerned about dietary health and preparation, but they do not play a direct role in identifying the product itself or its safety timeline. Similarly, preparation method and serving suggestions can enhance consumer experience and use of the product but do not support identifying the product or ensuring its safety for consumption as fundamentally as the name and expiration information do.