19152. Misbranding of Robert J. Pierce's special formula double strength tablets. U. S. v. 2 Dozen Boxes, et al., of Robert J. Pierce's Special Formula Double Strength Tablets. Default decrees of condemna- tion, forfeiture, and destruction. (F. & D. Nos. 27066, 27102. I. S. Nos. 38812, 38815. S. Nos. 5272, 5339.> Examination of the drug product herein described showed that the labeling bore statements representing that the article possessed curative and therapeutic properties which it did not possess. On October 13 and October 22, 1931, the United States attorney for the District of Massachusetts, acting upon reports by the Secretary of Agriculture, filed in the District Court "of the United States for the district aforesaid libels praying seizure and condemnation of eight dozen boxes or packages of Robert J. Pierce's special formula double strength tablets, remaining in the original unbroken packages at Boston, Mass., alleging that the article had been shipped by Robert J. Pierce (Inc.), from New York, N. Y., in part on or about September 16, 1931, and in part on or about October 8, 1931, and had been transported from the State of New York into the State of Massachusetts, 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 iron sulphate, extracts of plant drugs including aloe, and volatile oils including pennyroyal oil. It was alleged in the libels that the article was misbranded in that the following statements appearing in the labeling regarding the curative or thera- peutic effect of the article were false and fraudulent, since it contained no ingredient or combination of ingredients capable of producing the effects claimed: (Circular) "A Specially Prepared Regulator, Scientifically Com- pounded for the Alleviation of Amenorrhae or Suppressed Menses. In per- sistent amenorrhea or menstrual irregularity caused by acute, fibrile, system- atic disease or other trouble accompanied by nervousness, pallor and lassitude, this remedy is of unsurpassed value at all times, working on the organs through the blood and nervous system in such a way as to produce the desired results without the least inconvenience to the patient. * * * In the treatment of all disturbances of the menstrual functions the patient must observe the following: Directions For Special Treatment * * * Fourth—Active treat- ment should begin four or five days before the regular time for the reappear- ance of the menstrual flow, so as to assist nature to bring about the desired results at the normal time. * * * Sixth—Take one tablet three times daily, one half hour before meals, commencing four or five days before the regular period and continue until the desired result is obtained. Read these directions over two or three times so that they will be thoroughly impressed on your mind, as we can only give you instructions, but cannot force you to carry them out, and, therefore, you will have only yourself to blame if they are not as effective as they should be." On January 25, 1932, no claimant having appeared for the property, judg- ments of condemnation and forfeiture were entered, and it was ordered by the court that the product be destroyed by the United States marshal. ARTHUR M. HYDE, Secretary of Agriculture.