This paper explores the origins of federal regulation of food, drugs and meat. We argue that developments in these industries during the late 19th century—technological changes that gave rise to new and cheaper products, the creation of a national market for food and drugs, as well as scientific advance that made it possible for producers to cheapen their food and drugs in ways consumers could not easily perceive—profoundly affected producers, consumers, and bureaucratic officials. In such an environment, regulation of the industry was desired in order to pivot the competitive playing field, but also because of its potential to improve consumer information about product quality. Nevertheless, we find that Congress did not enact a federal law until 1906 because competing producer, bureaucratic, and consumer interests, with different assessments of the benefits of federal regulation, prevented the formation of an effective coalition in favor of federal regulation. We argue that muckra.
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The American Historical Review
