17437. Adulteration of canned sardines.    IT. S. v. 265 Cases, et al., of Canned
Sardines. Default decrees of condemnation, forfeiture, and de- 
struction. (F. & D. Nos. 23170 to 23174, incl. I. S. Nos. 02223, 02225, 
02251, 02252, 02253.    S. No. 1278.)
Samples of canned sardines from the shipments herein described having been 
found to be decomposed, the Secretary of Agriculture reported the facts to 
the United States attorney for the Northern District of Georgia.
On October 30, 1928, the United States attorney filed in the District Court of 
the United States for said district libels praying seizure and condemnation of 
709 cases of canned sardines, remaining in the original unbroken packages in
part at Atlanta, Ga., and in part at East Point, Ga., alleging that the article 
had been shipped by the Van Camp Sea Food Co. (Inc.), in part from East 
San Pedro, Calif., and in part from Wilmington, Calif., in various consign- 
ments, on or about February 7, November 16, December 8, 1927, respectively, 
and transported from the State of California into the State of Georgia, and 
charging adulteration in violation of the food and drugs act. The article was 
labeled in part: " White Star Tin-Apa Sardines * * * Originated and 
packed by exclusively Van Camp Sea Food Co., Inc., Terminal Island, Los 
Angeles, Cal."
It was alleged in the libels that the article was adulterated in that it con- 
sisted in part of a filthy, decomposed, and putrid animal substance.
On December 7, 1928, 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.
ABTHTJB M. HYDE, Secretary of Agriculture.