Grace Wang & Abby Orler

Senior Division | Group Website | Word Count: 1187


Introduction and Thesis

The early 1900’s brought about a decade of materialism and consumerism in the United States, during which the industry grew at an exponential rate. However, at the same time Americans became increasingly ignorant of the contents and methods of production behind the new processed foods they consumed. This acted in favor of money-hungry manufacturers who, without the pressure of almost any governmental regulation, were able to act in irresponsible ways which best maximized their individual profits by making exaggerated claims about medicines and adding “filler” substances to mass-produced products. While most were reluctant to criticize the corporations and risk their own public image, certain  scientists, journalists, and authors began to expose to the public the dishonesty in the industry at that time. Heightened public awareness then pressed the government for legal action and eventually brought about the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906, which required companies to truthfully label their products.  
While corporation owners were unhappy about this decision, it was and still is their responsibility to engage in honest marketing. As personal success overshadowed their mission to supply quality goods, the food and medical industries violated American consumers' right to be fully aware of all the ingredients comprising the goods they purchased, an issue that was in part righted by the Pure Food and Drug Act.
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