Swill Milk Scandal
a year ago
- #public health
- #food safety
- #historical scandal
- The swill milk scandal was a major adulterated food scandal in New York in the 1850s, linked to high infant mortality.
- Swill milk came from cows fed distillery waste, adulterated with substances like plaster of Paris, starch, eggs, and molasses.
- The scandal arose due to high demand for milk in New York City, with distillery-dairies providing cheap but unsafe milk.
- Investigations revealed filthy conditions in dairies, with cows suffering from diseases and the milk being heavily adulterated.
- Public outrage led to the first food safety laws in 1862, though initial investigations were blocked by corrupt politicians.
- Reformers like Robert Milham Hartley worked to restore milk's reputation as a safe and nutritious drink.