Which government agency was created largely as a result of the horror and disgust citizens felt after reading Upton Sinclair's book 'The Jungle'?

The government agency created largely as a result of the public outcry following the release of Upton Sinclair's book "The Jungle" is the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The book, published in 1906, exposed unsanitary and unsafe practices in the meatpacking industry, leading to widespread public concern about food safety and hygiene. This ultimately contributed to the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act, both signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt on June 30, 1906. These legislative acts marked the beginning of federal regulation of food and drugs in the United States, and the FDA was later officially established in 1930 to enforce these laws and ensure the safety of the nation's food and drug supply.

"The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair was a novel published in 1906 that exposed the harsh working conditions and unsanitary practices in the American meatpacking industry, particularly in Chicago. The book was originally intended to highlight the plight of workers in the industry, but its vivid and disturbing descriptions of the unsanitary handling of meat had a profound impact on public perceptions.

The public reaction to the book, which included widespread horror and disgust, played a pivotal role in shaping the regulatory landscape of the food and drug industry in the United States. Here are the key points:

1. Public Outcry :

  - Sinclair's graphic depiction of unsanitary conditions, contaminated meat, and worker exploitation shocked readers. The portrayal of the meatpacking industry led to public outrage and a sense of urgency to address the issues raised in the book.

2. Legislative Response :

  - In response to the public outcry, Congress swiftly passed two key pieces of legislation: the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act. These acts were both signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt on the same day, June 30, 1906.

3. Pure Food and Drug Act (1906) :

  - The Pure Food and Drug Act aimed to regulate the labeling of food and pharmaceuticals, prohibiting the sale of misbranded or adulterated food and drugs in interstate commerce. It laid the foundation for food and drug regulation in the United States.

4. Meat Inspection Act (1906) :

  - The Meat Inspection Act mandated federal inspection of meat processing plants that engaged in interstate commerce. It aimed to ensure that meat products were safe and wholesome for consumers.

5. Creation of the FDA :

  - While the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act marked significant steps toward regulation, it was not until 1930 that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was officially established. The FDA was tasked with enforcing these laws and ensuring the safety and efficacy of food and drugs.

6. Impact on Regulatory Landscape :

  - The events following the publication of "The Jungle" demonstrated the power of public sentiment to drive legislative change. The regulatory framework that emerged in the early 20th century laid the groundwork for modern food and drug regulation, protecting consumers from unsafe and deceptive practices.

In summary, Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle" played a pivotal role in inspiring legislative action that led to the creation of the FDA and the establishment of regulatory measures to safeguard the quality and safety of food and drugs in the United States. The book's impact extended beyond its original focus on labor issues to profoundly influence public health and safety regulations.