18482. Adulteration and Misbranding of Pyros. U. S. -v. 6 Dozen Packages 
of Pyros. Default decree of condemnation, forfeiture, and 
destruction.    (P. & D. No. 25997.    I. S. No. 11081.    S. No. 4262.)
Examination of a drug product, known as Pyros, from the shipment herein 
described showed that the bottle and carton labels and accompanying circular 
bore statements representing that the article possessed curative and therapeutic 
properties that it did not possess. The labels further represented that the 
article was antiseptic and germicidal, whereas it was not. 
v
On March 11, 1931, the United States attorney for the District of Oregon, 
acting upon a report by the Secretary of Agriculture, filed in the District Court 
of the United States for the district aforesaid a libel praying seizure and con- 
demnation of 6 dozen packages of Pyros, remaining in the original unbroken 
packages at Portland, Oreg., alleging that the article had been shipped by the 
Pyros Co., Denver, Colo., on or about August 26, 1930, and had been transported 
from the State of Colorado into the State of Oregon, 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 consisted 
essentially of sodium chloride, zinc sulphate, alcohol (0.7 per cent), a trace of 
glycerin, and water. Bacteriological examination showed that the article was 
neither antiseptic nor germicidal.
It was alleged in the libel that the article was adulterated in that its 
strength fell below the professed standard under which it was sold, namely, 
(carton) " Antiseptic," and (circular) " Pyros is an ideal antiseptic."
Misbranding was alleged for the reason that the following statements ap- 
pearing on the carton and in the circular, were false and misleading: 
(Carton) "A Penetrative Antiseptic;" (circular) "The Penetrative Antiseptic
* * * Pyros is an ideal antiseptic mouth wash, for it has a definite, selec- 
tive action on disease germs in the mouth. * * * The definite and select- 
ive germicidal action of Pyros stops the bacterial acid detrition in the first 
stages of tooth decay. * * * Pyros is a combination of simple ingredients 
resulting* in a product of definite value as an * * * antiseptic * * * 
Its penetrating and bactericidal action is then more pronounced * * * you 
can ' feel' its positive and penetrating antiseptic properties." 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 said article contained no ingredient or 
combination of ingredients capable of producing the effects claimed: (Bottle) 
"An Aid in treatment of infectious mouth conditions, * * * and attendant 
tooth decay. Sore, tender, ulcerated gums, and general oral infections;" 
(carton) " Successful aid in the care of tender, bleeding, spongy or receding 
gums * * * for preventing decay of the teeth keeping the gums firm and 
healthy   *   *   *   Give solution time to penetrate gums and affected parts.
* * * A successful aid in the care of tender or ulcerated gums and teeth 
and all mouth infections generally;" (circular) "Good Health Depends on 
Mouth Health. The mouth is the one main entrance whereby disease germs 
gain entrance to the body. In the mouth disease germs multiply, infect the 
nasal passages or throat and, sooner or later, the entire system. Nature, 
(the perfect physician) installed in the mouth the simple machinery necessary 
for the warding off of disease, viz; clean saliva, abundant blood supply and 
properly adjusted teeth. Therefore, it can be readily seen that a remedy 
which causes the mouth to properly function is the one that assists nature in 
warding off disease. The present day customs, diet and mental habits do 
not permit the mouth to function perfectly as in the days of savagery when 
the mouth received exercise from the eating of hard, course food, and tooth 
decay and gum disease were unknown. Pyros Makes Healthy Mouths. * * * 
Pyros Penetrates. Pyros has a peculiar penetrating action, so that it even 
attacks deep, underlying, inflamed conditions. Pyros makes clean, healthy 
saliva, nature's mouth wash. * * * In diseased conditions of the mouth 
Pyros should be used as near full strength as possible. For Pyorrhea-Take 
one teaspoonful in mouth and let it penetrate the affected parts * * * If 
the upper teeth or gums are affected, hold head downward or  sideways.
* *   *   For Trench Mouth (Vincent's Angina) or other acute inflammations 
of the mouth where pain is present   *   *   *   For Ulcerative Gums.   *   *   *
Tender Gums. * * * Bleeding Gums. * * * Spongy Gums. Where the 
gums are soft, flabby and bleed easily use one part Pyros to four of water , 
* * * Turgid Gums. Where gums are congested and swollen use Pyros the 
same as for spongy * * " * Tartar. When annoyed by excessive tartar on 
the teeth use Pyros full strength for a few days, brushing the teeth after 
each treatment. When most of the tartar is gone, go to a dentist and have the 
teeth thoroughly cleaned. * * * After Extraction. There is more danger 
of alarming conditions after extraction of teeth than most people realize. 
Pyros * * * prevents the development of infectious conditions * * * 
By its daily use you can guard the entire system against contagion and dis- 
ease. The teeth remain clean, the gums firm and natural in color. Finish 
with a single gargle and you will have a healthy clean throat. * * * It 
will save you endless dental and medical expense and many anxious hours. 
It is an excellent preventive, * * * How to Prevent Decay of the Teeth 
at Home. Pyros actually prevents and arrests decay of the teeth. The definite 
and selective germicidal action of Pyros stops the bacterial acid detrition in 
the first stages of tooth decay. * * * take Pyros one part to water four 
parts and brush this solution into the cheeks, gums and teeth for three min- 
utes. If this is done morning and evening you will keep your teeth free 
from cavities or decay. * * * Pyros is of value in checking ruptured 
arteries and restoring proper circulation."
On May 25, 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.
AETHUE M. HYDE, Secretary of Agriculture.