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The muckrakering novel “The Jungle” was written by Upton Sinclair, exposed the unsafe and unsanitary conditions in the meat packing plants. These plants were now suffering financially because European importers didn’t want to purchase unhealthy meat -
The Pure Food Drug Act originated in the Senate. It was then sent to the House which was then reported out of the Interstate & Foreign Commerce with amendments. -
Illinois Representative James Mann was able to engage the chamber with his speech discussing fruit that was colored with poisonous dye. Not only that but also liquor was found to be distilled with chemical fillers. This was a major shock to the people especially because drinking alcohol was such a common day to day act. -
After the bill was sent back for final review and consideration, the House of Representatives approved the Conference Report. This basically meant that the Pure Drug Food Act would be in the process of needing a signature. -
President Roosevelt signed the Pure Food Drug Act which was also known as the Wiley Act into law. This was huge in the Progressive Reform Era because it would now prohibit the transport of unlawful food and drugs This would then promote safer working conditions for employees. The Meat Inspection Act was also passed and signed into law by the President. -
Congressman Joseph Swagger Sherley’s Amendment which was in Section 8 of the Pure Food Drug Act was made into law. This was known as the “Sherley’s Amendment” and this prohibited the false labeling of a product.