On June 30, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt signed the landmark Food and Drugs Act into law, a pivotal moment in American history that ushered in a new era of consumer protection. This significant piece of legislation is also widely recognized as the Wiley Act.
The Signing of a Landmark Act
The signing of the Food and Drugs Act on this date was the culmination of decades of advocacy for safer food and pharmaceutical products. For years, there had been growing public concern over the widespread adulteration and mislabeling of food and drugs. President Roosevelt's signature marked the federal government's first comprehensive effort to regulate these industries.
A Cornerstone of the Progressive Era
The Food and Drugs Act stands as a major pillar of the Progressive Era, a period of widespread social activism and political reform across the United States. This era sought to address problems caused by industrialization, urbanization, and political corruption. The Act was a direct response to public demand for greater transparency and safety in the marketplace, empowering the government to set standards and enforce regulations.
Historical Context of Food and Drug Regulation
The path to the 1906 Act was long and arduous. Prior to its passage, numerous attempts had been made to establish federal oversight. Since 1879, nearly 100 bills had been introduced in Congress specifically aimed at regulating food and drugs. The eventual passage of the Food and Drugs Act was a testament to persistent efforts by reformers, scientists like Dr. Harvey Wiley (for whom the act is partly named), and growing public awareness.
This legislation prohibited the interstate transport of adulterated or misbranded food and drugs, laying the groundwork for modern consumer protection laws.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | June 30, 1906 |
| Event | President Theodore Roosevelt signed the Food and Drugs Act |
| Legislation Name | Food and Drugs Act (commonly known as the Wiley Act) |
| Key Figure | President Theodore Roosevelt |
| Historical Impact | A fundamental pillar of the Progressive Era; established federal food and drug regulation |
For more in-depth information about this historic act and its impact, you can refer to resources from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
