In what year was the Meat Inspection Act enacted?

The Meat Inspection Act was enacted in 1906 as a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at ensuring that meat products were slaughtered and processed under sanitary conditions. This act was a response to growing public concern over food safety, particularly after the publication of Upton Sinclair’s novel "The Jungle," which highlighted unsanitary practices in the meatpacking industry. The law mandated federal inspection of meat and enforced regulations to prevent adulteration, thereby protecting consumers' health and ensuring the integrity of meat products in the marketplace. The enactment of this act marked a significant advancement in food safety and public health, laying the groundwork for future food regulations in the United States.