What is the difference between the Meat Inspection Act of 1906 and the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906?

The Meat Inspection Act of 1906 and the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 are two different pieces of U.S. legislation that were both signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt with the intention of ensuring the safety of the American food supply.

The Meat Inspection Act of 1906 was a response to unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry, which were brought to public attention by Upton Sinclair's novel "The Jungle." The Act mandated that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspect all cattle, sheep, goats, and horses when slaughtered and processed into products for human consumption. The law also required federal inspection of meat processing plants to ensure sanitary conditions.

On the other hand, the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 was aimed at preventing the manufacture, sale, or transportation of adulterated or misbranded foods, drugs, medicines, and liquors. This Act led to the creation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the control and supervision of food safety, tobacco products, dietary supplements, prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs, vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, blood transfusions, medical devices, electromagnetic radiation emitting devices (ERED), cosmetics, animal foods & feed, and veterinary products.

In summary, while both acts were part of the Progressive Era reforms aimed at improving public health and safety, the Meat Inspection Act specifically targeted the meatpacking industry and its sanitary practices, while the Pure Food and Drug Act was focused on a broader range of consumable goods, including food and drugs, and addressed issues of adulteration and labeling.