The State's War on 'Doped' Food
Washington's food commissioner launches an aggressive campaign against the use of poisonous preservatives in local meat, fish, and oyster supplies.
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E. A. McDonald, Washington state food commissioner, believes in waging war in winter, as well as in the summer time. He is now planning a new campaign against 'doped' food. The tempting but questionable oyster, the mysterious sausage and the fresh fish of uncertain date are among the latest objects of the commissioner's attack. He has issued the following warning to the dealers: 'To meat, fish and oyster dealers: I have been informed that preservatives are being used on fresh meats and fish, in sausage, head cheese and oysters which are sold in open stock. I do not know personally that the above is true, but consider it my duty to make an investigation, and also to serve notice to all dealers, giving them an opportunity to discontinue the use of preservatives which are considered poisonous. During the month of November I will make an investigation and every month thereafter. All dealers will be prosecuted where preparations are used containing salicylic acid or formaldehyde. This policy is adopted for the reason that I believe that it is the duty of the state to give reasonable notice when a change is made in the rulings of the commissioner.'
“The tempting but questionable oyster, the mysterious sausage and the fresh fish of uncertain date are among the latest objects of the commissioner's attack.”
Long before modern FDA regulations, local commissioners were fighting the 'Wild West' era of food additives. Today's consumer scrutiny of 'clean label' ingredients echoes this same fundamental struggle for transparency in our food supply.
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