What did the Meat Inspection Act ensure?

The Meat Inspection Act, enacted in 1906, mandated federal inspection of all meat products that were shipped across state lines. This legislation arose in response to public outcry about unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry, famously highlighted by Upton Sinclair’s novel "The Jungle." The Act aimed to ensure that meat products were processed under strict sanitary conditions and met certain safety standards before reaching consumers. By requiring federal oversight, the law sought to protect public health and restore consumer confidence in meat products.

This federal regulation was a significant step toward ensuring food safety in the United States, directing that meat processing plants maintained hygienic practices and were subject to inspection by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This approach was critical in establishing government responsibility for food safety, marking a shift in the relationship between the government and the food industry, thereby addressing the concerns of the public about health standards.