14276. Misbranding of Mecca componnd.     U. S. v.  144 Packages, et al., of
Mecca  Compound.     Default   decrees   of  condemnation,  forfeiture, 
and destruction.     (F. & D. No. 20872.     I. S. Nos. 6265-x, 6266-X.     S. No.
E-5211.)
On February 19, 1926, the United States attorney for the Eastern District 
of Pennsylvania, acting upon a report by the Secretary of Agriculture, filed in 
the District Court of the United States for said district libels praying seizure 
and condemnation of 13 dozen packages, 2-ounce size, and 11 packages, 6-ounce 
size, of Mecca compound, remaining in the original unbroken packages at 
Philadelphia, Pa., consigned by Foster-Dack Co., alleging that the article had 
been shipped from Chicago, Ill., in part on or about October 16, 1925, and in 
part on or about January 12, 1926, and transported from the State of Illinois 
into the State of Pennsylvania, 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 libels for the rea- 
son that the following statements: (Strip label, 6-ounce size) "A Triumph of 
Modern Chemistry * *? * It controls Pain to a wonderful degree and 
renders such valuable aid to Nature as to make recovery, in many cases, seem 
miraculous * * * apply * * * as a * * * poultice * * * Salt 
Rheum, Erysipelas, Carbuncles, Boils, * * * Frozen Parts," borne on the 
label, were false and misleading, in that the product did not contain any 
ingredient or combination thereof, capable of producing the effects claimed.
On March 15, 1926, no claimant having appeared for the property, judg- 
ments of condemnation and forfeiture were entered, and it was ordered by the 
court that the product be destroyed by the United States marshal.
W. M. JAKDINE, Secretary of Agriculture.