389. Misbranding of Pronto.    V. S. v. 157 Packages of Pronto.    Default decree
of condemnation and destruction.    (F. D. C. No. 3246.    Sample No. 30159-E.)
The label of this product bore false and misleading representations regard-
ing its efficacy in the conditions indicated below.
On November 4, 1940, the United States attorney for the Northern District
of Illinois filed a libel against 157 packages of Pronto at Chicago, 111., alleging
that the article had been shipped in interstate commerce on or about May 8,
1940, by Alfred S. Hope from Los Angeles, Calif.; and charging that it was
misbranded.
Analysis showed that the article consisted of powders, each containing bis-
muth subcarbonate (9.15 grains), magnesium oxide 4.22 grains), aspirin
(free and combined, 3.6 grains), a silicate such as kaolin, and sugar.
The article was alleged to be misbranded in that representations in the
labeling that it was efficacious in the treatment of stomach and bowel ailments,
colitis, and ulcers including acute, long-standing and severe cases, duodenal
ulcers, acute pains, vomiting "showing of blood" accompanying ulcers and
colitis; that it would spread a thin protective film over the lining of the entire
digestive canal and would heal or soothe; that it would quiet down the colon
and other fretful organs, control nervousness and contractions, and restore
exhausted tissues, or normal functions, were false and misleading since it
was not efficacious for such purposes.
On March 7, 1941, no claimant having appeared, judgment of condemnation
was entered and the product was ordered destroyed.