2024 Documentaries (Documents)

Ice Woman: The Untold Story of Mary Engle Pennington

Menon, Simren

This presentation delves into the pioneering work of Dr. Mary Engle Pennington, a trailblazer in food safety and refrigeration, whose contributions have significantly shaped modern food preservation and public health. As the first woman FDA lab chief, she developed dairy and poultry safety standards, innovated refrigeration techniques, and advocated for proper handling of perishable foods. Her work laid the foundation for the implementation of the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act and influenced food safety practices globally. Featuring insights from Dr. Julie Northcutt of Clemson University, the discussion highlights Dr. Pennington's enduring legacy in establishing safe food practices, inventing sterilization methods, and advancing refrigeration technologies, which continue to impact lives today.You can learn more about the Untold Stories project on the website: https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/academics/departments/health-policy-management/news-events/untold-stories