What was one of the major impacts of the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act?

The major impact of the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act was the prohibition of adulterated food and drugs in commerce. This legislation was a pivotal step in ensuring that food and drug products met specific safety and labeling standards. Prior to this act, there were few regulations governing the quality of food and drugs, leading to widespread issues with adulteration and misbranding. The act mandated that products be adequately labeled and free from harmful substances, which helped protect consumers from unsafe products. This laid the groundwork for future regulatory measures and helped establish a framework for consumer protection in the United States.

The act did not specifically address drug pricing, limit patenting, or directly enhance consumer trust in drug efficacy as primary outcomes. While increased consumer trust may have been a long-term result due to enhanced safety standards, the immediate and direct impact of the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act was focused on preventing the sale of adulterated products.