1154. Misbranding of Sano.    U. S. v. William J. Nassano   (Sano Medicine Co.)
Plea of guilty.   Fine, $250 and costs.    (F. D. C. No. 10619.    Sample No.
46330-F.)
On February 3, 1944, the United States attorney for the Northern District of
Ohio filed an information against William J. Nassano, trading as the Sano Medi-
cine Co., Cleveland, Ohio, alleging shipment of a quantity of Sano on or about
February 7,1943, from the State of Ohio into the State of Virginia.
Analysis disclosed that the article consisted of a brown liquid with sediment,
containing water, alcohol, and plant extractives, including emodin-bearing drugs
and a trace of unidentified alkaloids.
The article was alleged to be misbranded because of false and misleading state-
ments appearing in its labeling which represented and suggested that the article
was a diuretic and a tonic; that it would be efficacious as an internal medicine
and aid in the relief of rheumatism; that it would assist in eliminating uric acids
and toxins from the system; and that it would be efficacious in removing the
cause of uric acids and toxins in the system.
It was alleged to be further misbranded in that its labeling did not bear
adequate directions for use since the directions provided for taking the article
three times each day, whereas the article was a laxative and should be taken only
occasionally and as needed; and in that its labeling failed to warn that the
article should not be used when abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or other symp-
toms of appendicitis were present, or that frequent or continued use might lead
to a dependence on laxatives to move the bowels.
On March 1,1944, the defendant entered a plea of guilty and the court imposed
a fine of $250 and costs.