Sample from 1937 sulfanilamide poisoning incident. Bottle of an adulterated sulfanilamide drug that was on sale in 1937. This drug was prescribed to treat infections such as sore throats. However, this product was improperly prepared and contained the toxic chemical diethylene glycol. Over 100 people died in the ensuing public health disaster. The public outcry in the USA led to support for tougher regulations, culminating in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938.