modifier issue - experts please help

[confuse mind]

According to the National Pasta Association, per-capita consumption of pasta in the United States, which has already been approaching 19 pounds a year, will achieve 30 pounds a year by the twenty-first century.

The highlighted modifier is modifying what - the closest noun - United States
or the noun phrase - per-capita consumption of pasta in the United States


Thanks!

[machichi]

Well, hopefully the US hasn't been approaching 19 pounds per year, otherwise we'd be all quite emaciated!

Per capita consumption is what's being modified.

[GMATGuruNY]

According to the National Pasta Association, per-capita consumption of pasta in the United States, which has already been approaching 19 pounds a year, will achieve 30 pounds a year by the twenty-first century.

The highlighted modifier is modifying what - the closest noun - United States
or the noun phrase - per-capita consumption of pasta in the United States


Thanks!

Check my post here:

https://www.beatthegmat.com/1000-sc-s-qu ... tml#285760