17301. Adulteration and Misbranding of Torb. U. S. v. SO Gross of Torb. 
Decree of condemnation and forfeiture. Product released under 
bond.    (F. & D. No. 24523.    I. S. No. 015729.    S. No. 2794.)
On April 30, 1930, 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 a libel praying seizure 
and condemnation of 30 gross of a drug product known as Torb, remaining 
in the original unbroken packages at Allentown, Pa., consigned by the Crystal 
Chemical Co., New York N. Y., alleging that the article had been shipped 
from New York, N. Y., on or about November 12, 1929, and transported from 
the State of New York into the State of Pennsylvania, and charging adultera- 
tion and misbranding in violation of the food and drugs act as amended.
Analysis of a sample of the article by this department showed that it con- 
sisted essentially of an ointment with a petrolatum base, mineral matter such 
as clay, and a small amount of boric acid.   Torbernite was not found.
It was alleged in the libel that the article was adulterated in that its 
strength fell below the professed standard or quality under which it was 
sold, namely, (carton, label, and accompanying circular) " Contains the Bare 
Radium Mineral Torbernite."
Misbranding was alleged for the reason that the statement on the said 
label, carton, and circular, "Contains the Rare Radium Mineral Torbernite," 
was misleading. Misbranding was alleged for the further reason that the 
following statements regarding the curative or therapeutic effects of the 
article, appearing in the labeling, were misleading, since the said article con- 
tained no ingredient or combination of ingredients capable of producing the 
effects claimed:   (Label)  "Heals   *    *    *   Directions   *   *    *   Apply freely
* * * for pains and congestion * * * Healing * * * Subdues Inflamma- 
tion, Relieves Pain and Congestion. Torb is indicated in the treatment of skin 
disturbances, chronic ulcers * * * swollen glands, etc. It is also-employed: 
in the reduction of pains and swellings accompanying rheumatic and gduty 
conditions, etc.,"  (carton)  " Heals   *    *    *   for Pains and congestion, apply
* * * Torb * * * Healing * * * Subdues Inflammation, Relieves 
Pain and Congestion. Torb is indicated in the treatment of skin disturbances, 
chronic ulcers, * * * swollen glands, etc. It is also employed in the reduc- 
tion of pains and swellings accompanying rheumatic and gouty conditions, etc.;" 
(.circular) " Skin trouble * * * swollen glands * * * boils, inflamma- 
tion * * * For the Relief of Piles * * * Bronchitis, Pleurisy, Pneu- 
monia, Tonsilitis, Quinsy, Sore Throat, Mumps. Torb * * * In cases of 
pneumonia and pleurisy Torb should be applied. * * * Swollen Joints, 
Rheumatic Pains and Swellings, Osteitis.   Place a thick coating of Torb around
the affected parts * * * Swollen Glands, Goitre * * * Cover parts with 
a coating of Torb * * * Torb * * * tor Congestion, Inflammation and 
Irritation. * * * Its healing * * * Torb, now offered to the general 
public,   *   *   *   in the treatment of skin affections, such as eczema, etc., sores,
* *   *   painful inflammations   *   *   *   it affords   *   *   *   speedy healing
* * * Torb is successfully employed * * * in the treatment and relief of 
Skin Troubles, Chronic Ulcers,  Sores,  Felons,  Erysipelas   *   *   *   Osteitis
* * * Swollen.Joints, Swollen Glands, Boils * * * Bronchitis, Pleurisy, 
Pneumonia, Tonsilitis-Quinsy, Sore Throat, * * *. Rheumatic and Gouty 
Pains and swellings, * * * Ulcers and Sores * * * Skin Troubles-Acne 
or Pimples, Ezcema, Felons, Ichtyosis   *   *   *   Psoriasis, Ring Worm, Scabies
(Itch) Sycosis * * * Alopecia or Baldness * * * Abscesses, Boils and 
Felons, Apply Torb Thick * * * Erysipelas." Note.-The charge recom- 
mended by this department, relative to the above-quoted curative and therapeu- 
tic claims, was that they were false and fraudulent, since the article contained, 
no ingredient or combination of ingredients capable of producing the effects 
claimed.
On April 30, 1930, Torb (Inc.), Allentown, Pa,, having appeared as claimant 
for the property, judgment of condemnation and forfeiture was entered, and it 
was ordered by the court that the product be released to the said claimant upon 
payment of costs and the execution of a bond in the sum of $100, conditioned in 
part that it be relabeled under the supervision of this department.
ABTHTJB M. HYDE, Secretary of Agriculture.