The "chemically inoffensive" drink that Mollari buys for Garibaldi is a Shirley Temple.
The Lumati representative's assistant/spokesman Taq is played by prolific composer Paul Williams, who wrote a number of hits for bands like The Carpenters and Three Dog Night, not to mention Kermit the Frog's anthem, "Rainbow Connection".
The Lumati's policy of not interfering with the evolution of other species, even if it means allowing them to die, is portrayed here as arrogant and inhumane. In the Star Trek franchise, the same policy is considered the cornerstone of Starfleet principles-- "The Prime Directive."
This takes place in July 2259.