The Poison Squad

In "The Poison Squad," Pulitzer Prize winner Deborah Blum narrates the powerful true story of Dr. Harvey Washington Wiley's relentless fight for food safety in late 19th century America. With a backdrop of rampant food fraud and dangerous additives like formaldehyde and borax, Wiley and a coalition of activists, scientists, and journalists stood against corporate greed and government obstruction. Their struggle culminated in the historic 1906 Food and Drug Act, known as "Dr. Wiley's Law," marking a significant turning point in consumer protection. This engaging account highlights the ongoing importance of safeguarding public health in the face of corporate interests.