14574. Misbranding  of  Mecca  compound.    U.  S. v.  15  Packages,  et  al., of
Mecca Compound. Default decrees of condemnation, forfeiture, 
and destruction. (F. & D. Nos. 20869, 20870. I. S. Nos. 1236-x, 1237-x. 
S. Nos. C-4966, C-4967.)
On February 19, 1926, the United States attorney for the Eastern District of 
"Wisconsin, 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 8% dozen two-ounce packages, 3% dozen six-ounce packages 
and 1% dozen thirteen-ounce packages of Mecca compound, alleging that the 
article had been shipped by the Foster-Dack Co., from Chicago, Ill., between the 
dates of July 18, 1925, and January 29, 1926, and transported from the State of 
Illinois into the State of Wisconsin, and charging misbranding in violation of 
the food and drugs act as amended. The article was contained in boxes labeled 
in part: "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."
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.
It was alleged in substance in the libels that the article was misbranded, in 
that the above-quoted statements regarding its curative and therapeutic effects 
were false and fraudulent, since it contained no ingredient or substance capable 
of producing the effects claimed.
On June 2, 1926, no claimant having appeared for the property, judgments 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. JAEDINE, Secretary of Agriculture.