341. Misbranding of Maurice Le Bell's Formula ]Vo. 7.    U. S. v. 143 Bottles of
Maurice Le Bell's Formula No. 7.    Default decree of condemnation and
destruction.    (F. D. C. No. 3297.   Sample Nos. 30415-E, 30417-E.)
The label of this product contained false and misleading representations regard-
ing its efficacy for the conditions indicated below. Furthermore, its labeling
failed to bear adequate directions for use.
On November 4, 1940, the United States attorney for the Northern District of
Illinois filed a libel against 143 bottles of the above-named product at Chicago,
HI., alleging that the article had been shipped in interstate commerce on or about
September 11, 1940, by Hollywood Formulas, Inc., from Los Angeles, Calif.; and
charging that it was misbranded.
Analysis showed that the article consisted of tablets containing Irish moss,
rhubarb root, seaweed such as Laminaria, parsley leaf, cranberry fruit, and leaves
resembling celery.
The article was alleged to be misbranded in that the following statements in
the labeling were false and misleading, since the article was not efficacious for
the purposes recommended therein: (Bottle) "As Recommended by Hollywood's
Famous Dr. Maurice Le Bell, D. C. Reducing Specialist" ; (booklet) "The Reducing
Method of Dr. Maurice LeBell, D. C. to be Used in Connection with Formula
No. 7 * * * Important * * * The instructions contained in this booklet
are a vital part of your reducing program, and should be studied carefully. They
are a simplified form of the famous reducing method used by Dr. Maurice LeBell,
D. C, in his many years of private practice. * * * Best results are obtained by
following these instructions carefully * * * We suggest that you take a full
length front and profile snapshot of yourself today. Many people have reported
a second picture taken at the end of their supply of Formula showed most gratify-
ing results." It was alleged to be misbranded further in that the directions for
use appearing on the bottle and in the booklet. "Take 8 tablets daily, 3 before
breakfast and dinner and 2 before retiring.    (See exercise and diet booklet.)
440180"-42?2
Decrease dosage in accordance with degrees of laxation required," were inappro-
priate for the article, since they suggested frequent and continuous consumption
and were therefore inadequate.
On January 28, 1941, no claimant having appeared, judgment of condemnation
was entered and the product was ordered destroyed.