When was the Pure Food and Drug Act enacted?

The Pure Food and Drug Act was enacted in 1906. This legislation was significant in the realm of food and drug safety, as it aimed to prevent the sale of adulterated or misbranded foods and drugs in interstate commerce. The act was a response to growing public concern regarding food safety and the quality of medicine, particularly highlighted by Upton Sinclair's novel "The Jungle," which exposed unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry.

The law marked a pivotal moment in the establishment of food and drug regulations in the United States, paving the way for the creation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1930, which further strengthened and implemented safety standards. The 1906 Act laid the groundwork for consumer protection and scientific oversight in the food and drug industries, reinforcing the necessity for products to be accurately labeled and free from harmful substances.