Sinclair himself did not like the legislation that came as a result of his book, he viewed it as an unjustified favor to large meat packers partially because the U.S. taxpayer, rather than the packing companies, were to bear the costs of inspection at $30,000,000 a year.

I have never heard this before, I suppose I may be mistaken. A citation would be appreciated. I don't know what you mean by "US Taxpayer". The United States did not have a Federal income tax until 1913, the Pure Food and Drug Act was passed in 1906. Even so, just because aspects of the legislation were poorly implemented does not mean that it was not needed or effective.

"I aimed at the public's heart, and by accident I hit it in the stomach." -Upton Sinclair

Surely you must know that the context of this quote is that he had intended to impact "the public's" opinions towards labor struggles, and instead it became a controversy about the meat industry.

Perhaps I should not have used the specific term "bottom line", as you so capitally put it. In my conversations with executives in the industry, I get the overwhelming impression that they view inspectors as a bane to their daily operations, and a waste of time and money. Operations personnel even moreso, as they ultimately have to answer for, and deal directly with these issues. I believe from personal experience that this industry should not "self-regulate", and could not effectively maintain public safety.

Also the USDA legislation was heavily backed by some of the biggest Packing plants...

Hmmm, I must admit that I hadn't heard that before. Care to provide a link or citation?