Laws regulating food additives were first enacted in which year?

The year 1938 is significant in the context of food safety regulation because it marks the passage of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) in the United States. This legislation provided the FDA with the authority to oversee the safety of food additives. It established a framework for the regulation of food products and their ingredients, including both intentionally added substances and those that might be present as contaminants. The act set important safety standards, requiring that all food additives be proven safe for consumption before being approved for use in food products. This pivotal moment in food regulation established a foundation for modern food safety protocols and is a key development in the area of food science and safety.