Food Science and Safety Timeline

By mskulas

  • Patent for Gelatin

    Patent for Gelatin
    The first English patent for the manufacture of gelatin was granted.

  • Sandwich Invented

    Sandwich Invented
    About 1762, John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich is reputed to have been too busy to have a formal meal, and instructed his cook to pack his meat inside the bread to save him time - and the sandwich was invented.

  • First Cultivated Strawberry

    First Cultivated Strawberry
    Michael Keens presented the first cultivated strawberry combining flavor and appearance, at the Royal Horticultural Society.

  • Mason Jars Invented

    Mason Jars Invented
    Mason jars were invented for home use for canning. Canning is the process of placing food in jars and heating the jar to kill the microorganisms that is responsible for food spoilage.

  • USDA Founded

    USDA Founded
    The United States Department of Agriculture is founded, receiving cabinet status in the following decades. Among other duties, it's responsible for ensuring food safety.

  • Pasteurization Invented

    Pasteurization Invented
    Pasteurization is invented by Louis Pasteur. It is a process where heat destroys pathogens and is crucial in the development of milk and making juices safe for consumption.

  • Refrigeration Introduced

    Refrigeration Introduced
    Refrigeration is introduced to the United States. This allowed food to be stored longer and be fresher for a longer period of time.

  • "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair Released

    "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair Released
    "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair was a provocative novel that brought some of the most revolting elements of the meat packing industry to light. This kick started a wave of new laws aimed at food and drug safety and regulation.

  • Pure Food and Drug Act Passed

    Pure Food and Drug Act Passed
    Food safety is further upheld by a new law prohibiting the sale or trade of mislabeled or adulterated food and drug products. It was the first of a series of laws passed centered around food and drug safety, and more broadly around consumer safety.

  • Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act passed

    Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act passed
    The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act was a set of laws giving authority to the FDA to oversee the safety of food, drugs, and cosmetics.

  • Cake Mix Invented

    Cake Mix Invented
    Cake mix hit the market under the Duncan Hines brand. The mix came in one flavor, white, with yellow and chocolate cakes prepared by ingredient additions.

  • Food Additives Amendment Passed

    Food Additives Amendment Passed
    This law states that food additives' safety must be proven before they can be approved for manufacturing in food products.

  • Fair Packaging and Labeling Act

    Fair Packaging and Labeling Act
    This landmark act requires all food, drugs, and cosmetics to be labeled honestly and informatively.

  • Infant Formula Act Passed

    Infant Formula Act Passed
    This law extended further regulations to baby formula sold in the US.

  • Organic Foods Production Act Passed

    Organic Foods Production Act Passed
    This law established the National Organic Program and its authority to develop and enforce laws covering agricultural products sold, labeled, or represented as "organic" within the United States.

  • 2009 Food Code

    2009 Food Code
    A new change to the Food Code is made. Identifies time and temperature control for serving cut greens. Increases food handler training on allergen awareness. No longer allows the serving undercooked meats as an option on children's menus.