1. The Meat Inspection Act of 1906: This act established federal inspection of meatpacking plants and required them to meet certain sanitary standards. It was a direct response to the graphic descriptions of unsanitary practices and adulterated meat in *The Jungle*.
2. The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906: This act prohibited the manufacture and sale of adulterated or mislabeled food and drugs. It also created the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which continues to regulate food safety and drug efficacy today.
3. Public Awareness and Consumer Protection: *The Jungle* dramatically raised public awareness about the conditions in the meatpacking industry and the potential for unsafe food. It sparked a national debate about food safety and consumer rights, leading to increased pressure on government to regulate the industry.
4. Improved Working Conditions: While not the primary focus of the book, the depiction of brutal working conditions in the meatpacking plants also helped fuel the growing movement for labor reform. It contributed to a broader awareness of the exploitation of workers in many industries.
5. Sinclair's Legacy: While Sinclair initially intended to write a book about the plight of workers, he unintentionally exposed the unsanitary conditions of the meatpacking industry. *The Jungle* became a powerful tool for social change and remains a landmark in muckraking journalism.
It's important to note: While *The Jungle* was instrumental in sparking these changes, it wasn't the sole cause. A growing movement for consumer protection and food safety was already underway before the book's publication. The book, however, provided powerful evidence and a public platform to amplify those concerns.