The Poison Squad experiments, conducted by Dr. Harvey Wiley, came to an end after nearly five years of testing the safety of food preservatives on human volunteers. The experiments provided crucial evidence of the toxicity of common additives like borax, formaldehyde, and salicylic acid. Wiley's findings were instrumental in building the case for the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906.

The conclusion of the Poison Squad experiments was a moment of triumph for the food safety movement, and it was celebrated in the press and popular culture. The story of the 'poison eaters' continued to capture the public imagination, inspiring later works of investigative journalism and literature. The experiments also contributed to the growing public awareness of the dangers of chemical additives, a theme that would be explored by poets and writers throughout the 20th century.