17793. Adulteration and Misbranding of T. M. C. laxative cold tablets. 
TJ. S. v. 18 Dozen Packages of T. M. C. Laxative Cold Tablets. 
Default decree of condemnation, forfeiture, and destruction.     (F.
& D. No. 24745.    I. S. No. 036949.    S. No. 3104.)
Examination of samples of a drug product, known as T. M. C. laxative cold 
tablets, from the herein-described interstate shipment having shown that it 
contained less acetanilide than labeled, and that the labels bore claims of 
curative and therapeutic properties that the article did not possess, the Secre- 
tary of Agriculture reported the matter to the United States attorney for the 
Eastern District of Missouri.
On May 1. 1930, the said United States attorney filed in the District Court 
of the United States for the district aforesaid a libel praying seizure and 
condemnation of 18 dozen packages of T. M. C. laxative cold tablets, remaining 
in the original packages at St. Louis, Mo., alleging that the article had been 
shipped by Frederick Stearns & Co., from Detroit, Mich., on or about October 
30. 1929, and had been transported from the State of Michigan into the State 
of Missouri, and charging adulteration and misbranding in violation of the food 
and drugs act as amended.
Analysis of a sample of the article by this department showed that the 
tablets contained acetanilide (0.876 grain per tablet), cinchonine salicylate, 
extracts of plant drugs including podophyllum, and camphor, coated with sugar 
and calcium carbonate and colored pink.
It was alleged in the libel that the article was adulterated in that its strength 
fe'l below the professed standard or quality under which it was sold, namelv.
(carton)  "Acetanilide 1 gr. in each tablet," since each tablet contained 0.876, 
grain of acetanilide. 
'
Misbranding was alleged for the reason that the statement on the carton, 
"Acetanilide 1 gr. in each tablet," was false and misleading. Misbranding waj 
alleged for the further reason that the package failed to bear a statement"
the label of the quantity or proportion of acetanilide contained therein, s^nce 
the declaration was incorrect. Misbranding was alleged for the further reason 
that the following statements regarding the curative or therapeutic effects of 
the article, appearing on the carton and in the accompanying circular, were 
false and fraudulent: (Carton) "For relief of La Grippe, etc.;" (circular) 
" T. M. C. Laxative Cold Tablets are recommended for the relief of ordinary 
*   *    *    Grippe."
On September 9, 1930, no claimant having appeared for the property, judg- 
ment of condemnation and forfeiture was entered, and it was ordered by the 
court that the product be destroyed by the United States marshal.
ABTHXJB M. HYDE, Secretary of Agriculture.