99. Misbranding: of VG-341.    U. S. v. 89 Jars of VG-341.    Default decree of
condemnation and destruction.     (F. D. C. No. 898.    Sample Nos. 55995-D,
65996-D.)
The labeling of this product bore false and misleading representations regard-
ing its efficacy in the conditions indicated below.
On November 18, 1939, the United States attorney for the Northern District
of Illinois filed a libel against 89 jars of VG-341 at Chicago, HI., alleging that
the article had been shipped in interstate commerce on or about October 14,
1939, by O. H. Henspeter from Vining, Minn.; and charging that it was
misbranded.
Analysis showed that the article consisted essentially of sodium hydroxide
(94 percent), sodium carbonate (8^ percent), and a trace of potassium
carbonate.
The article was alleged to be misbranded In that its labeling bore representa-
tions that it was efficacious as a vapor gas treatment for hemorrhoids or piles and
bore directions for its use, namely, that a toilet jar or bucket should be secured;
that 5 inches of steaming, boiling hot water should be placed therein; that the
Jar or bucket should be tall enough so that the body would be at least 8 inches
above boiling water; that the user after removing garments should sit on the jar
or bucket, first making certain that vapor and gases do not escape by placing
a towel around rim of vessel; that the cork should be removed from a vial and
vial and contents dropped in vessel; that the user should remain sitting for 10
minutes and should then lie down and rest for at least 2 hours after treatment;
that the second vial or treatment should be taken three nights after the first,
and that the third should be taken three nights after the second; that a dilator
should be used in case of internal piles; that the one vial usually relieved, but
that the quickness of relief depended entirely upon one's physical condition and
"acceptability to this type of treatment," and that after the use of the second
or third vial and one finds pronounced allayment, comfort, and improvement
In one's condition, that the treatment should be continued for complete relief
and normal action, which representations were false and misleading, since the
article was not efficacious for the purposes recommended.
On December 12, 1939, no claimant having appeared, judgment of condemna-
tion was entered and the product was ordered destroyed.