14275. Misbranding' of Mecca compound. U. S. v. 9 Dozen Packages, et al., of Mecca Compound. Default decree of condemnation, forfeiture, nnd destruction. (F. & D. No. 20867. I. S. Nos. 796-x, 797-x. S. No. W-1662.) On February 26, 1926, the United States attorney for the Northern District of California, acting upon a report by the Secretary of Agriculture, filed in the District Court of the United States for said district a libel praying seizure and condemnation of 9 dozen 2-ounce packages and 9 13-ounce packages of Mecca compound, remaining in the original unbroken packages at San Fran- cisco, Calif., alleging that the article had been shipped by the Foster-Dack Co., from Chicago. Ill., September 1, 1925, and transported from the State of Illinois into the State of California, and charging misbranding in violation of the food and drugs act as amended. Analysis by the Bureau of Chemistry of this department of a sample of the article showed that it consisted essentially of zinc oxide, petrolatum, and fat, with traces of menthol, thymol, and phenol. Misbranding of the article was alleged in substance in'the libel for the reason that the following statements regarding its curative and therapeutic effects were false and fraudulent, since the said article contained no ingredient or combination of ingredients capable of producing the effects claimed: (Box label) " Healing * * * for all kinds of Sores and inflammation giving quick relief and aiding nature to make speedy cures * * * For * * * Barber's itch, Eczema, Erysipelas, Hives, Salt Rheum, .* * * Blood Poison, Boils, Diphtheritic Sore Throat, Pneumonia and all kinds of inflammation," (carton) "Healing," (circular, directions for using Mecca compound) "For Burned and Scalded surfaces, apply the Mecca * * * the immediate re- sult will be cessation of pain and inflammation and no further blistering. Minor burns heal quickly and serious burns heal in a few weeks, free from scars and blemishes. No scars from burns ever appear where Mecca is properly used. For Frosted or Frozen parts apply the same as to a burned surface, applying, when possible, before the fruit is withdrawn, for if so applied restoration will follow immediately. * * * for all kinds of hurts. Its use prevents soreness and inflammation and hastens a cure. In serious cases such as * * * Felons, Boils and Carbuncles apply by poulticing * * * Nothing equals Mecca for relieving Pain and for removing soreness. Any sore, recent or of long standing", may be cured by its use, practically applied. For Erysipelas, Gangrene, Scarlet Fever, Chicken Pox, Small Pox, and All Erup- tive Diseases. For Erysipelas and Gangrene, poultice freely all the parts affected and if the case be severe let the poultice be applied fully half inch thick, but if mild, less will do. For Scarlet Fever, apply to all the eruptive parts by rubbing, and poultice the throat freely until relieved from soreness. For Chicken Pox, apply the Compound freely to all the irritated parts, with mod- erate rubbing. In Small Pox apply, both by rubbing and poulticing. Rub the patient with the Compound where there are aches and pains, and poultice freely where there is much soreness. It prevents all Itching, and Pitting, reduces the fever, strengthens the patient, and hastens recovery. For Sore Throat, Lung Trouble, Inflammation of the Bowels, Appendicitis, and Rheuma- tism. For Sore Throat apply * * * thickly over the fruit of the throat * * * For Lung trouble, Pneumonia, soreness of the chest and lungs, apply , * * * by poultice * '* * if the case be severe * * * if mild apply once or twice a day by rubbing * * * For Inflammation of the bowels, and Appendicitis, spread a thick poultice * * Apply over the seat of pain. It is best to keep the poultice on for some time after relief is obtained. For Rheumatism and sundry pains, apply by rubbing, if severe, by poulticing. Its continued use, even in most stubborn cases, will result in a cure," (testi- monials) "I * * * have seen many men badly burned * * * nothing I ever saw or heard of compares with the wonderful work of Mecca Compound, so quickly and so fully does it relieve the sufferer from all pain and so quickly does nature restore under its use. * * * X-Ray Burn Cured. I suffered many months from an X-Ray burn * * * It developed into a running sore, which the doctors were unable to heal * * * Mecca Compound re- lieved the pain and soreness and made a complete cure. * * * when burned with the electric current. In no instance have we found it to fail in giving immediate relief," (circular, Mecca compound ointment) " If every home * * * would keep * * * Mecca Compound ready for immediate application in * * * Severe Burns and Scalds, bad Bruises, Blood Poison. Fevers and all kinds of inflammation, many lives would be saved and a vast amount of suffering avoided. Applied * * * to a burned or scalded sur- face, pain ceases, blistering is prevented and inflammation is held in check while nature soon restores. We firmly believe, if a burned or scalded patient lives two days under common treatment and then expires, that had Mecca Compound been immediately applied, in nearly every case, life would have been saved. We advise the head of every family to at once provide for its safety * * * has saved lives and much suffering. * * * A wise man will provide in time. Insure Protection for your Family by providing means of escape should a severe accident occur, such as is of daily occurrence. The clippings below * * * illustrate constant danger and the need of imme- diate efficient aid. We firmly believe had Mecca Compound been immediately applied in sufficient quantity all of those, here mentioned, would have been saved. Note well the case of Mr. Mead of Council Bluffs, Iowa, how prompt application saved his life. Duty neglected brings remorse but can not restore life. A Mr. Mead of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was terribly burned by an explo- sion of gasoline. In less than ten minutes one third of his body had blistered while the whole body, except the head and feet, seemed ready to break forth * * * had a good supply of Mecca Compound * * * covering him an inch thick. * * * in five weeks he was back in his shop, without a scar or blemish. In this case 30 minutes' delay meant death in a few hours. * * * Clippings from The Chicago Daily Tribune * * * died * * * of scalds * * * died * * * of burns." On March 26, 1926, no claimant having appeared for the property, judgment of condemnation and forfeiture was entered, and it was ordered by the court that the product be destroyed by the United States marshal. W. M. JARDINE, Secretary of Agriculture.