Book · 2019 · Political Science
The Poison Squad
One Chemist's Single-Minded Crusade for Food Safety at the Turn of the Twentieth Century
Why people recommend it
The Poison Squad by Deborah Blum is a popular history book that chronicles the dangerous chemical additives commonly found in American food and drink during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, as well as the government crusades led by Harvey Washington Wiley to establish food safety regulations. On The Ezra Klein Show in May 2026, Julie Beloo recommended this historical account as part of a discussion examining modern public health and the historical origins of federal consumer protection. Beloo highlighted the book as an excellent resource for understanding how early scientific investigations exposed widespread adulteration in the American food supply and laid the groundwork for modern regulatory agencies like the Food and Drug Administration. By bringing up Blum's work, Beloo provided listeners with historical context on how society previously grappled with novel health risks and corporate negligence. The recommendation emphasized the enduring importance of investigative science and government oversight in safeguarding public health against unregulated commercial practices.
Who recommended it
- Julie Beloo Recommended
Julie Beloo — 1 mention
“Another one is Deb Blum's Poison Squad.”