17847. Adulteration and Misbranding of Acco-Balm. U. S. v. 6 Dozen 
Small-Sized Packages, et al., of Acco-Balm. Default decree of 
condemnation, forfeiture, and destruction. (F. & D. No. 24947. I. S. 
No. 5565.    S. No. 3316.)
Examination of samples of a drug product, known as Acco-Balm, from the 
herein-described interstate shipment having shown that the labeling bore 
claims of curative and therapeutic properties that the article did not possess, 
also that it was represented to be antiseptic, whereas it was not, the Secretary 
of Agriculture reported the matter to the United States attorney for the District 
of Massachusetts.
On August 8, 1930, the United States attorney filed in the United States 
District Court a libel praying seizure and condemnation of six dozen small- 
sized and one and seven-twelfths dozen large-sized packages of Acco-Balm, 
remaining in the original and unbroken packages at Boston, Mass., alleging 
that the article had been shipped by the A. C. Clark Co. (Inc.), from Brattle- 
boro, Vt., in part on or about February 25, 1930, and in part on or about 
June 4, 1930, and had been transported from the State of Vermont into the 
State of Massachusetts, 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 it con- 
sisted essentially of an ointment with a petrolatum base containing zinc oxide, 
boric acid, and a trace of pine-needle oil. Bacteriological examination showed 
that the article was not antiseptic.
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:  (Can) "Anti-Septic;" (circular) "Antiseptic."
Misbranding was alleged for the reason that the statements (can) "Anti- 
Septic," and (circular) "Antiseptic," were false and 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 
false and fraudulent, since the article contained no ingredients or combination 
of ingredients capable of producing the effects claimed: (Carton) "Is a 
general curative;" (can) "For Injuries and Ailments;" (circular) "For all 
cases of inflammation, irritation, eruption, poison, fever, congestion or swelling. 
These are symptoms that attend in part, nearly all ailments that attack Man. 
Acco-Balm is a general Curative. Correct the Symptoms to Cure the Ailment. 
Head colds when neglected or mistreated invariably develop nasal, throat, bron- 
chial or lung troubles, often pneumonia and consumption (tuberculosis) and the 
first of which is catarrh, the arch destroyer of mankind. To this malady can be 
traced nearly all ailments with which the human family is afflicted. * * * 
Catarrh and Hay Fever are quickly relieved and cured by rubbing a small 
quantity across the lower forehead and over bridge of nose * * * If eyes 
are affected and they usually are in some way from catarrh, close the eye 
and gently rub a small quantity over and into the lids. It relieves, clears and 
strengthens the eyes   *    *    *   Used in this way it often prevents or eliminates
wearing eye glasses which is usually caused by Catarrh. * * * Use it on 
the baby and prevent catarrh, adenoids, enlarged tonsils and other ailments sure 
to follow if these conditions are neglected. Sore Throat relieved like 
magic. * * * When throat is raw or cankerous inside place a piece half the 
size of a walnut on the tongue * * * For Croup, Bronchitis, Hoarseness, 
Tightness or Congestion of Lungs. It prevents Pneumonia. * * * A Quick, 
Deep and True Healer, not only when used as a preventative * * * but 
also for serious injuries and chronic ailments and where sceptic conditions 
have developed, including Blood Poison, Gangrene, "Varicose Ulcers, Sores, 
Swellings, Discolorations and Eruptions of all kinds. Used for Boils, Felons, 
Abscesses, Mumps, Scrofular, Glandular, Tonsil or other swellings it affords 
immediate relief, hastens maturing and breaking and heals quickly without 
scars, deformities, contracted cords, muscles or tenderness and prevents a 
recurrence. * * * For All Ailments attended with Itching, Burning, Smart- 
ing, or Poison, such as erysipelas, eczema, hives, shingles, chicken pox, rashes, 
?eruptions, itching piles, external poison, * * * bites and stings of 
animals * * * and cuts and wounds from tin, copper, zinc, brass, rusty 
nails, wood, etc. * * * Use it on pimples, bunches and discolorations from 
which they start and prevent these horrible tortures. * * * Piles-This 
distressing ailment in all forms is quickly and permanently relieved and most 
cases are relieved with Acco-Balm. Hemorrhoids (bleeding piles) * * * 
Fistula (protruding piles). * * * Itching Piles. * * * This Rem- 
edy * * * has been the means of saving much suffering. * * * 
Earache * * * All Foot Troubles with which so many people suffer 
are afforded prompt relief * * * For * * * bunions, enlarged 
joints,    *    *    *    sore, swollen,    *    *    *   feet."
On November 24, 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 attorney.
AETHUB M. HYDE, Secretary of Agriculture.