464. Adulteration of powdered extract of digitalis.     TJ. S. v. 1 Can of Powdered
Extract  of Digitalis.     Default decree of condemnation and destruction.
(F. D. C. No. 3742.    Sample No. 25065-E.)
This product possessed a potency of not more than 1.3 U. S. P. digitalis units
per 0.1 gram; whereas the National Formulary provides that it should possess a
potency of not less than,2.75 U. S. P. digitalis units per 0.1 gram. Moreover, it
was invoiced as "P. E. Digitalis 1-4," which meant that each gram should possess
an activity of not less than 4 U. S. P. digitalis units.
On January 31, 1941, the United States attorney for the Eastern District of
Pennsylvania filed a libel against 1 can of powdered extract of digitalis at
Philadelphia, Pa., alleging that the article had been shipped in interstate com-
merce on or about November 2, 1940, by J. L. Hopkins & Co. from New York,
N. Y.; and charging that it was adulterated. It was labeled in part: "Powdered
Extract Not Biologically Tested Defatted Digitalis   *   *   *   Not N. F."
The article was alleged to be adulterated in that it purported to be or was
represented as a drug the name of which is recognized in the National Formu-
lary, an official compendium,; but its strength differed from the standard set
forth in such compendium and its difference in strength from such standard
was not stated on its label. It was alleged to be adulterated further in that a
substance, namely, a preparation of digitalis possessing a potency of not more
than 1.3 U. S. P. digitalis units per 0.1 gram had been substituted therefor.
On March 8, 1941, no claimant having appeared, judgment of condemnation
was entered and the product was ordered destroyed.