A Treatise on Adulterations of Food, and Culinary Poisons

Exhibiting the Fraudulent Sophistications of Bread, Beer, Wine, Spiritous Liquors, Tea, Coffee, Cream, Confectionery, Vinegar, Mustard, Pepper, Cheese, Olive Oil, Pickles, and Other Articles Employed in Domestic Economy

Accum

• Publisher: Science & Technology Publishing
• Year: 2025
• eBook ISBN: 9782528103098
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• Subtopic: Energy Industry
• Index: Technology & Engineering

A Treatise on Adulterations of Food, and Culinary Poisons is a groundbreaking work by Frederick Accum, first published in 1820, that exposes the widespread and dangerous practice of food adulteration in early nineteenth-century England. This comprehensive volume meticulously documents the fraudulent methods used by unscrupulous manufacturers and vendors to increase profits at the expense of public health. Accum's treatise covers a wide range of everyday food and drink items, including bread, beer, wine, spirits, tea, coffee, cream, confectionery, vinegar, mustard, pepper, cheese, olive oil, pickles, and many other staples of domestic economy. Through detailed descriptions and scientific analysis, the author reveals how these products were commonly contaminated with harmful substances such as alum, copper, lead, and other toxic chemicals, often with little regard for consumer safety. Accum's work is notable for its accessible language and practical advice, making it a valuable resource not only for scientists and medical professionals but also for ordinary consumers concerned about the purity of their food. The treatise includes numerous case studies, chemical tests, and illustrations to help readers identify adulterated products and protect themselves from culinary poisons. It also offers a scathing critique of the lack of regulation and oversight in the food industry of the time, calling for greater public awareness and legislative action to safeguard health and well-being. A Treatise on Adulterations of Food, and Culinary Poisons stands as a pioneering text in the history of food safety and public health. Its revelations shocked contemporary society and contributed to the eventual development of food standards and consumer protection laws. Today, the book remains a fascinating historical document, offering insight into the origins of modern food regulation and the enduring importance of vigilance against food fraud.

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