American Experience

The Poison Squad

'The Poison Squad' tells the story of government chemist Dr. Harvey Wiley who, determined to banish these dangerous substances from dinner tables, took on the powerful food manufacturers and their allies.

Dr. Harvey Wiley: Father of Pure Food

1m 4s

In 1883, Dr. Harvey Wiley joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture as chief chemist. After two decades, President Theodore Roosevelt signed the Pure Food and Drugs Act in 1906, largely written by Wiley.

  • Chapter 1 | The Poison Squad: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Chapter 1 | The Poison Squad

    S32 E2 - 8m 56s

    Dr. Harvey Wiley, determined to banish dangerous substances from dinner tables, took on the powerful food manufacturers and their allies. Wiley embarked upon a series of bold and controversial trials on 12 human subjects who would become known as the “Poison Squad.”

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