When and why was The FDA formed? Was it in response to a national event or some sort of emergency?
The FDA was created in 1906 as the "Food and Drug" or "Wiley" Act, which was signed by President Theodore Roosevelt. It was largely due to public response to "muckraking" journalists and writers such as Upton Sinclair. Read more about the history here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_and_Drug_Administration_%28United_States%29#Origins_of_federal_food_and_drug_regulation
The FDA, also known as the Food and Drug Administration, was formed on June 30, 1906. It was created in response to public demand for a federal agency that would regulate and ensure the safety of food and drugs in the United States.
The formation of the FDA was partially influenced by a public health crisis that came to light in the early 20th century. At that time, the marketplace was flooded with poorly regulated, sometimes toxic, and mislabeled food and drug products. This raised concerns about public health and safety, leading to a greater need for federal intervention.
One notable event that played a significant role in raising awareness and paved the way for the FDA's establishment was the publication of Upton Sinclair's novel, "The Jungle," in 1906. The book exposed the unsanitary conditions of the meatpacking industry in Chicago and the health hazards it posed to consumers. It generated widespread public outrage and spurred the push for legislative action to regulate food and drugs.
Consequently, the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 marked a crucial turning point. It was the first federal law to address the regulation and oversight of food and drugs in the United States, and it laid the foundation for the creation of the FDA. The agency's main objectives were to enforce regulations, conduct research, and provide accurate information to the public regarding the safety and efficacy of food and drugs.