In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt played a crucial role in the regulation of food in the United States by supporting the passage of two significant pieces of legislation: the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act.
The Pure Food and Drug Act aimed to prevent the manufacture, sale, or transportation of adulterated or misbranded foods and drugs. It emphasized the need for accurate labeling and the prohibition of harmful substances in food products.
The Meat Inspection Act established federal standards for the inspection of meat products and ensured sanitary conditions in meat processing plants. Together, these acts were foundational in regulating the food industry and helped to establish the framework for the future regulation of food safety in the U.S.
Roosevelt's actions were influenced by the public outcry over unsafe food practices highlighted in Upton Sinclair's novel "The Jungle," which exposed the unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry. Roosevelt's commitment to consumer protection and public health led to significant reforms in food safety regulations, marking the beginning of federal oversight in food production.