Question

read the passage and then answer the question.
peanut allergy is one of the most prevalent food allergies in the united states. more than three million people in the united states are allergic to peanuts, and that number is only increasing. for those with peanut allergy, exposure to peanuts results in mild to severe allergic reactions, including swelling, itching, shortness of breath, and nausea.
people with peanut allergy must be extremely vigilant, paying close attention to everything they eat in order to avoid accidentally eating peanuts. packaged foods often have labels that state whether they were prepared in facilities that also process peanuts.
this information helps protect against the accidental consumption of peanuts.
what is the meaning of consumption as used in the passage?
the process of taking food into the body through the mouth
the process of buying or using goods
the decay or destruction of a resource
the amount that someone eats or drinks

Explanation:

The passage discusses peanut allergy, where affected people must avoid eating peanuts accidentally. The phrase "consumption of peanuts" refers to the act of eating peanuts, which matches the definition of taking food into the body via the mouth.

Answer:

the process of taking food into the body through the mouth