Criminal The Demon Spread
Jun 21, 2024
Explore the controversial history of margarine production in the United States, including the influence of the dairy lobby. Learn about the battle to legalize colored margarine in Wisconsin and the current debate over labeling plant-based milks. Discover the innovative French chemist who introduced oleomargarine as a butter substitute.
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Margarine's Origin
- In 1866, a French chemist created oleomargarine, a butter substitute, to address potential wartime butter shortages.
- This chemist had previously won a prize for improving a syphilis drug and developed a baking technique that increased bread yield.
Dairy Producers' Backlash
- US dairy producers saw margarine as a threat to their profits and began a campaign against it.
- They claimed margarine lacked essential vitamins and called it "the demon spread."
Oleo Margarine Act
- The dairy lobby's influence led to the 1886 Oleo Margarine Act, which taxed and regulated margarine sales.
- A butter detective enforced this act, and some were imprisoned for illegal margarine commerce.