In the early 1900s, margarine was promoted as a healthier alternative to butter due to its vegetable oil base and lack of cholesterol. This perception led to a rise in margarine consumption, with many people embracing it as a modern marvel and a symbol of convenience.
The Butter Lobby and Opposition to Margarine
The dairy industry, however, perceived margarine as a threat to their business and launched a campaign to discredit it. They lobbied the government to impose taxes and restrictions on margarine, arguing that it was an inferior and potentially unsafe product. This led to a long-standing battle between the dairy industry and the margarine producers, with the former often portraying margarine as an unnatural and unhealthy substitute for the “pure” and “natural” butter.
Restrictions and Labeling Requirements
In response to the dairy industry’s pressure, many states and the federal government introduced a range of laws and regulations that made it difficult for margarine to be produced and sold. These included requirements for margarine to be dyed an unappetizing color, such as pink or blue, to distinguish it from butter. Additionally, margarine was often taxed at a higher rate than butter, making it more expensive for consumers.