In the early 20th century, America faced widespread public health concerns driven by a lack of food safety regulations. Investigations and exposés, including Upton Sinclair's novel 'The Jungle,' revealed unsanitary practices in the meatpacking industry, including the processing of spoiled or contaminated meat. Public outrage prompted demands for reform, leading to a strong push for government intervention to ensure food safety. In response, Congress took action to address these issues by passing significant legislation.

The Meat Inspection Act mandated sanitary conditions in meatpacking plants and established federal oversight for the inspection of meat products. It aimed to eliminate the health hazards associated with unregulated meat production and restore consumer confidence in the food supply. Meanwhile, the Pure Food and Drug Act sought to prevent the mislabeling and adulteration of food and drugs, requiring truthful labeling of ingredients and prohibiting harmful substances.

These acts represented a turning point in American food safety and regulation, directly influencing public health policy. The establishment of the Food and Drug Administration would follow, providing a permanent and structured approach to food and drug safety in the United States. As a result, the federal government played a crucial role in protecting consumers from unsafe food products and medicines, ultimately improving public health nationwide.