Home / Health / Poisoned 'Jake' Tonic Paralyzed Thousands in 1930
Poisoned 'Jake' Tonic Paralyzed Thousands in 1930
19 Jul
Summary
- A tainted Jamaican ginger tonic caused mass paralysis in 1930.
- Over 30,000 Americans were affected by the 'jake leg' epidemic.
- Bootleggers used a toxic chemical to pass Prohibition inspections.
An empty bottle of 'jake,' or Jamaica Ginger, found at a flea market has brought to light the forgotten 'jake leg' epidemic of 1930. This mass poisoning event swiftly paralyzed at least 30,000 Americans across 10 states, primarily in the South and Midwest. Some historians estimate the true number of victims could be as high as 100,000.
Officially a medicine, Jamaica Ginger was widely consumed during Prohibition for its potent alcohol content. Bootleggers intentionally added tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate, an industrial plasticizer, to ensure the product passed government inspections. This chemical, however, severely damaged the nervous system, leading to permanent "foot drop" and hand weakness.
Investigators traced the tainted tonic back to Hub Products in Boston, run by Harry Gross and Max Reisman. Despite the widespread harm, the pair faced minimal legal consequences due to lax regulations, receiving probation and a fine. The epidemic faded from public memory, with victims often blamed and suffering in silence, though blues musicians preserved the story in song.
