18743. Misbranding of Vin liourdes.    U.  S. v.  30 Bottles of Tin Lourdes. 
Default   decree   of   condemnation,   forfeiture,   and   destruction.
(F. & D. No. 26460.    I. S. No. 5778.    S. No. 4747.)
Examination of a drug product, known as Vin Lourdes, having shown thatthe 
carton and bottle label and accompanying circular bore statements representing 
that t the article possessed curative and therapeutic properties which, in fact, 
it did not possess, the Secretary of Agriculture reported the matter to the 
United States attorney for the District of Porto Rico.
On or about June 13,1931, the United States attorney filed in the District 
Court of the United States for the district aforesaid a libel praying seizure and 
condemnation of 30 bottles of Vin Lourdes at San Juan, P. JR., alleging that 
the article was in possession of Serra, Garabis & Co. (Inc.), of San Juan, P. R-, 
and,-was being sold and offered for sale in Porto Rico, and charging^misbranding 
in violation of the food and drugs act as amended.
Analysis of a sample of Vin Lourdes by this department showed that it con- 
sisted essentialiy of potassium chloride  (3 per cent), sodium benzoafe  (0.2 
per cent), a small proportion of a bromide, extracts of plant drugs,'sugarK 
alcohol, and water.
It was alleged in the libel that the article was misbranded in that the 
following statements appearing in the labeling, regarding the curative or 
therapeutic effect of ,t;he said article, were false and fraudulent, since it con- 
tained no ingredient or combination of ingredients' capable of producing the 
effects claimed: (Bottle label) " For Women' * * *? until distress is 
relieved, then less frequently. As a prophylactic In'painful Menstruation best 
results' are received by administering one teaspoohful three times daily," 
(carton) " Valuable as a Tonic * * * in Menstrual Irregularities, Uterine 
and Ovarian Disturbances such as Amenorrhea (delayed menstruation) and 
Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) when no organic lesions or malformation 
exists. * * * For weak women of all ages, married or single;" (circular) 
" Uterine Sedative Tonic and Stimulant, indicp*3d in uterine and ovarian 
disturbances where no organic lesions or malformations exist. Used in 
Amenorrhea (Delayed Menstruation), Dysmenorrhea (Painful Menstruation) 
and for General Debility. * * * Directions for Use: * * * One or two 
teaspoonfuls in hot water * * * until distress is relieved, then less fre- 
quently. As a prophylactic in painful menstruation [similar statements 
appear in Spanish]." '
On July 8, 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.
ABTHUR M. HYDE, Secretary of Agriculture.