SKU: 60492073007

The Poison Squad

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The Poison SquadBy: Deborah Blum A New York Times Notable Book Inspiration for PBS's American Experience film The Poison Squad A detailed, highly readable history of food and drink regulation in the United States. Wall Street Journal Riveting. . . . [A] timely tale about how scientists and citizens can work together on meaningful consumer protections. Science From Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times bestselling author Deborah Blum, the dramatic true story of how

By: Deborah Blum     
A New York Times Notable Book Inspiration for PBS's American Experience film The Poison Squad

“A detailed, highly readable history of food and drink regulation in the United States.” —Wall Street Journal

“Riveting. . . . [A] timely tale about how scientists and citizens can work together on meaningful consumer protections.” —Science

From Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times bestselling author Deborah Blum, the dramatic true story of how food was made safe in the United States and the heroes, led by the inimitable Dr. Harvey Washington Wiley, who fought for change


By the end of nineteenth century, food was dangerous. Lethal, even. "Milk" might contain formaldehyde, most often used to embalm corpses. Decaying meat was preserved with both salicylic acid, a pharmaceutical chemical, and borax, a compound first identified as a cleaning product. This was not by accident; food manufacturers had rushed to embrace the rise of industrial chemistry, and were knowingly selling harmful products. Unchecked by government regulation, basic safety, or even labelling requirements, they put profit before the health of their customers. By some estimates, in New York City alone, thousands of children were killed by "embalmed milk" every year. Citizens--activists, journalists, scientists, and women's groups--began agitating for change. But even as protective measures were enacted in Europe, American corporations blocked even modest regulations. Then, in 1883, Dr. Harvey Washington Wiley, a chemistry professor from Purdue University, was named chief chemist of the agriculture department, and the agency began methodically investigating food and drink fraud, even conducting shocking human tests on groups of young men who came to be known as, "The Poison Squad."

Over the next thirty years, a titanic struggle took place, with the courageous and fascinating Dr. Wiley campaigning indefatigably for food safety and consumer protection. Together with a gallant cast, including the muckraking reporter Upton Sinclair, whose fiction revealed the horrific truth about the Chicago stockyards; Fannie Farmer, then the most famous cookbook author in the country; and Henry J. Heinz, one of the few food producers who actively advocated for pure food, Dr. Wiley changed history. When the landmark 1906 Food and Drug Act was finally passed, it was known across the land, as "Dr. Wiley's Law."

Blum brings to life this timeless and hugely satisfying "David and Goliath" tale with righteous verve and style, driving home the moral imperative of confronting corporate greed and government corruption with a bracing clarity, which speaks resoundingly to the enormous social and political challenges we face today.
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SKU: 60492073007

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Tannavi
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Eco friendly nice sturdy 5 compartment plate
Size: 11*8in-500pack, Color: White, Size: 11*8in-500pack, Color: White
These plates were great! Used for Indian food so a lot of sauce and gravy but the plates didn't get soggy and stayed firm. The size was good. Used for 7 days of party.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2025
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coolbhatt
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 4
Great party plate which is biodegradable
Size: 11*8in-100pack, Color: Brown
It's environment friendly and good quality which doesn't bend or break. The sections are perfect for buffet style party
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Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2025
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The Coy Edit
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect for Luncheons — Sturdy & Spacious
Size: 11*8in-500pack, Color: Brown, Size: 11*8in-500pack, Color: Brown
We got these for work when hosting company luncheons, and people loved them. They’re sturdy and hold up really well, even with heavier foods. The compartments are a great size and give you plenty of room for different items without everything running together. Pros: sturdy, good size compartments, great for events Cons: none for me Would I recommend? Yes—perfect for parties, events, or work lunches
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Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2026
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Amazon Customer
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Good price/ good quality
Size: 11*8in-100pack, Color: Brown
Good quality and sturdy.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2026
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Teresa Morton
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Great Product
Size: 11*8in-100pack, Color: White
Great plates! Heavy duty just not very attractive but we covered them with food so it didn't matter! lol
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Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2026

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