As raízes da regulação alimentar em Portugal: leis e práticas baseadas em ciência, 1875-1905

Abstract

In the current debate on the origins of science-based legislation, it is important to clarify the historical perspective on the origins of Portuguese food regulation. This article situates food regulation in the European context at the end of the 19th century and contextualizes the Portuguese case until the beginning of the 20th century. It provides the framework of the dynamics of regulation in Portugal and the internalization of scientific practices of these first legislative movements. Although it identifies clear traces of political selection regarding legislation, the elaboration of regulations seems to have emerged from a movement of scientific experts, perhaps outside the sphere of business (as is the case in Europe). The article also analyses the evolution of food legislation in Portugal until the consolidation of these practices in 1903 and their revision in 1905.

Keywords

• history of science
• food regulation
• history of chemistry
• scientific practices