J1S376. Misbranding of Metb-O-Sol. TJ. S. v. 2 Dozen Jars of Meth-O-Sol. 
Default    decree    of   condemnation,   forfeiture,   and    destruction.
(F. & D. No. 25962.    I. S. No. 27864.    S. No. 4192.)
Examination of a drug product, known as Meth-O-Sol, from the shipment 
ierein described having shown that the labels bore statements representing 
that the article possessed curative and therapeutic properties which it did not 
possess, also that it was labeled as having a readily absorbable base, whereas 
it did not, the Secretary of Agriculture reported the matter to the United States 
attorney for the District of Delaware.
On March 2, 1931, the United States attorney filed in the District Court of 
the United States for the district aforesaid a libel praying seizure and condem- 
nation of 2 dozen jars of Meth-O-Sol, remaining in the original unbroken 
packages at Wilmington, Del., alleging that the article had been shipped by the 
Helvan Co., from Philadelphia, Pa., on or about June 4, 1930, and had been 
transported from the State of Pennsylvania into the State of Delaware, and 
-charging 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 volatile oils (21.7 per cent) including methyl salicylate 
and camphor, incorporated in a mixture of petrolatum and paraffin, colored with 
a green dye.
It was alleged in the libel that the article was misbranded in that the state- 
ment on the carton and in the circular, " Readily absorbable base," was false 
and misleading. Misbranding was alleged for the further reason that the 
following statements appearing in the labeling, regarding the curative and 
therapeutic effects of the said article, were false and fraudulent, since it 
?contained no ingredient or combination of ingredients capable of producing the 
effects claimed: (Jar label) "Recommended in the treatment of Neuritis, 
IRheumatism, Pleurisy, Lumbago * * * Sciatica, or wherever tliere is pain;" 
(carton) "For Congestion or Inflammation of the Lungs. Excellent in the 
treatment of Pneumonia, Croup * * * For the alleviation of Rheumatism 
?*   *    *   Neuritis, Tonsilitis, and Enlarged Glands;" (circular) "Indications
* *    *   will be found an effective local application in     *    *    *   Rheumatism, 
Lumbago, Sciatica, Headache, Neuritis, Pleurisy, Incipient Pneumonia, Croup
* *    *    Sore Throat."
On April 22, 1931, no claimant having appeared for the property, judgment of 
condemnation and forfeiture was entered, and it was ordered by the court that 
the product be destroyed by the United States marshal.
ABTHTJB M. HYDE, Secretary of Agriculture.