What is primarily protected by the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906?

The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 primarily focuses on ensuring food safety and the purity of drugs in the marketplace. Its main objective was to eliminate misbranded and adulterated foods and drugs, which directly aligns with safeguarding public health and safety. This legislation laid the groundwork for the establishment of federal regulations that would oversee the production and distribution of food and drugs, ensuring they met specific standards of quality and labeling.

While preventing drug abuse, prohibiting counterfeit drugs, and regulating advertising claims are important issues in the broader context of drug regulation, they are not the primary focus of the Pure Food and Drug Act. These aspects are addressed by other regulations and laws that followed, which reflect the evolving understanding of public health and safety needs in relation to pharmaceuticals and food products.