Why did Rudolf Virchow support meat inspection?

Rudolf Virchow’s support for meat inspection was driven by his fundamental medical investigations into the role of animal parasites in human disease, particularly his work concerning trichina.1

His research demonstrated that these parasites were a significant cause of illness in humans, which directly informed his advocacy for public health measures. By focusing on public health matters during his time on the Berlin City Council, Virchow sought to implement systemic safeguards—such as the inspection of meat—to prevent the transmission of such parasites and protect the population from foodborne diseases.12