The U.S. Congress passed the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which replaced the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act and significantly expanded federal authority over food safety. The new law required that food be safe, pure, and honestly labeled, and it established standards for food additives. The act was a response to the shortcomings of the 1906 law and the continued problems with food adulteration.

The 1938 Act was a major milestone in the history of consumer protection, and its passage was a subject of interest for writers and poets who were concerned with social justice. The act also influenced the development of food writing as a genre, with authors like M.F.K. Fisher exploring the connections between food, culture, and ethics. The debates surrounding food safety continued to inspire literary works throughout the 20th century.