The Struggle for Federal Food and Drugs Legislation, C.C. Regier
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE ACTS
The Pure Food and Drug Act was difficult to pass.
"There seemed to be an understanding between the two houses that when one passed a bill for the repression of food adulteration, the other would see to it that it suffered a lingering death."
-Harvey W. Wiley.
The Public's Involvement
Industry invites regulation: the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906, 1985, Am J Public Heath,
1848 Drug Importation Act
"The act required imported drugs to meet the standards for strength and purity established in the USP. While the enforcement of the act was ineffective and short lived, the legislation helped solidify USP's status as a national compendium and set a precedent for future federal drug laws."
-U.S. Pharmacopeia
1848 Drug Importation Act
"Drug Importation Act passed by Congress requires U.S. Customs Service inspection to stop entry of adulterated drugs from overseas. " -FDA.
"1883 Dr. Harvey W. Wiley becomes chief chemist, expanding the Bureau of Chemistry's food adulteration studies. Campaigning for a federal law, Dr. Wiley is called the "Crusading Chemist" and "Father of the Pure Food and Drugs Act."
-FDA.
1902 Biologics Control Act
The Division of Biologics Standards [Public Health Service Publication No. 1744] by Dr. Roderick Murray published in 1968.
"The Biologics Control Act is passed to ensure purity and safety of serums, vaccines, and similar products used to prevent or treat diseases in humans."
-FDA.
These acts were the few that helped the pass of the Pure Food and Drug Act.