One of the most enduring myths about Al Capone is that he invented—or successfully lobbied for—expiration dates on milk bottles after a relative became ill from spoiled milk. In reality, milk dating and pasteurization practices predated Capone’s rise to power, with dated milk bottles appearing as early as 1913. While Capone reportedly remarked before going to prison that he should have been in the milk business because it was both legal and profitable, historians have found no evidence that he created or introduced milk expiration dates. The Chicago Outfit’s later interest in the dairy industry developed primarily under Murray Humphreys after Capone’s imprisonment.
Discussion ¬