Final answer:
During the Progressive Era, poor food safety led to health issues and deaths, prompting the introduction of legislation such as the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act to ensure the safety of consumer products.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Progressive Era, food safety was indeed a significant concern, and lack thereof did contribute to illness and death. The industrialization of the period had led to the mass production of food, which often meant that safety standards were neglected. Muckraking journalists brought these issues to light, and as a result, efforts were made to protect consumers. Key legislation such as the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act were passed to guarantee food safety. These acts were a response to the public pressure and part of a broader push for reforms aimed at improving the general welfare of the populace.
Food safety during the Progressive Era was important because it directly affected the health and well-being of the public. Unsafe food handling, transportation, and preservation practices led to the spread of diseases like typhoid and botulism, which could be fatal. Society recognized that federal intervention was necessary to regulate the food industry, ensure safer consumer products, and protect public health. This acknowledgement of food safety's importance paved the way for modern food safety standards.