Soup testers had to make sure that the food was not poisonous
This job is one of those occupations that sounds like it is somewhat necessary, which is probably why it’s not around anymore. Maybe also because a job is not a good enough reason to risk one’s life, especially just to check whether a food dish being served is poisonous. But we are no experts.
It does not sound real, but there were people that had to make sure that the soup or other dishes being served were not poisonous. This job was invented to preserve the lives of royal families and other important people. Nowadays, it would be frowned upon if someone hired a soup tester.