Changes During The Gilded Age

Throughout U.S. history, many changes have occurred nationwide. Government rolls have been modified, economic growth and stability has fluctuated, and social issues have shifted. One of the most prominent ages where these changes had developed was the Gilded Age. The Gilded Age was a time when government did not interfere with economy and left social issues to American society. One of the most serious social issues took place during the Gilded age was consumer safety. Over time, changes were made so that products had to meet government regulated standards, and that many products could no longer include certain ingredients that they once did. It is argued that although there have been advancements in consumer safety, they no longer match the
This was a time of enlightenment about certain political, economical, and social ideas. The concept of consumer safety was brought to scrutiny when unions began to form in the workplace. Factory and other processing plant workers would protest against the poor and unhealthy conditions that they had to suffer through regularly. This then sparked the idea that if the employees were working in squalor, than the product was being produced in squalor as well. Due to the realization that the poor conditions could possibly endangering the consumer, the U.S. government stepped in and decided to come between large companies and the health of the
This act was passed after shocking claims were made against many meat processing plants, and their use of dangerous preservatives and dyes included in their products, allegations against the sanitation of the processing plants were also made. (F.D.A.) The gist of this act would state that animals used in processing plants would only be used for human consumption, and that animals would be examined for disease before slaughter. It also stated that animals would be slaughtered in a sanitary and humane way, and only certain preservatives would be used. Lastly, the act stated that adulteration and misbranding would not be tolerated, and that anyone in violation would face a similar punishment to that of the Food and Drug Act. This act was put in place to protect the consumer from the hazardous chemicals, preservatives, and dyes that were once used in these plants. Also, the act would help protect the consumer from any diseases or bacteria that may harbour in operations such as these.