The Federal Meat Inspection Act of 1907 was passed due in part to the ___________.

The Federal Meat Inspection Act of 1907 was significantly influenced by public reaction to Upton Sinclair's novel, "The Jungle." This book exposed the unsanitary and inhumane conditions within the meatpacking industry in Chicago, drawing widespread public attention and outrage. The graphic descriptions of contaminated meat, worker exploitation, and deplorable working conditions resonated with readers and sparked a demand for government regulation and reform in food safety and public health practices.

As a result of this public outcry, there was increased pressure on lawmakers to establish standards for the inspection of meat products. The act mandated federal inspection of meat products intended for interstate commerce, ensuring that meat sold to consumers was safe and produced under sanitary conditions. This key piece of legislation marked a significant step toward ensuring food safety and addressing public health concerns directly arising from industrial practices highlighted in Sinclair's work.