18927. Adulteration and Misbranding of Sozodont liquid. IT. S. v. 38 Pack- 
ages of Sozodont Liquid. Default decree of condemnation, for- 
feiture, and destruction. (F. & D. No. 26811. I. S. No. 22842. S. No. 
4986.)
Examination of samples of Sozodont liquid having shown that the carton label 
bore statements representing that the article possessed curative and thera- 
peutic properties that, in fact, it did not possess, also that it was represented 
to be an antiseptic, whereas it was not, the Secretary of Agriculture reported 
to the United States attorney for the Northern District of California the inter- 
state shipment herein described, involving a quantity of the product located in 
San Francisco, Calif.
On July 27, 1931, the United States attorney filed in the District Court of 
the United States for the district aforesaid a libel praying seizure and con- 
demnation of 38 packages of Sozodont liquid, remaining in the original un- 
broken packages at San Francisco, Calif., alleging that the article had been 
shipped by Hall & Ruckel (Inc.), from New York, N. Y., on or about March 7, 
1931, and had been transported from the State of New York into the State 
of California, 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 glycerin, borax, soap, alcohol, and water, flavored with 
volatile oils including menthol and methyl salicylate, and colored with a 
red dye. Bacteriological examination showed that the article was not 
antiseptic.
It was alleged in the libel that the article was adulterated in that it was 
sold under the following standard of strength, "Antiseptic," when in truth and 
in fact the strength of the article fell below such professed standard, since 
it was not antiseptic.
Misbranding was alleged for the reason that the statement on the carton 
and bottle label, "Antiseptic," was false and misleading. Misbranding was 
alleged for the further reason that the statements, " Sozodont Liquid is a 
Igood medium for use in massaging the gums. The Gums should be thoroughly 
massaged to reduce the chances of Pyorrhea. * * * Penetrates The Crevices 
Where Decay Starts," appearing on the carton label, were statements concern- 
ing the curative or therapeutic effects of the article, and were false and fraudu- 
lent, in that the said article contained no ingredient or combination of ingre- 
dients capable of producing the effects claimed.
On September 30, 1931, 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.
ABTHUB M. HTDB, Secretary of Agriculture.