19669. Misbranding of Ton's pink tablets. U. S. v. 16 Bottles of Ton's Pink Tablets. Default decree of condemnation, forfeiture, and destruction. (F. & D. No. 27926. I. S. No. 32621. S. No. 5968.) Examination of a drug product, known as Von's pink tablets, taken from the interstate shipment involved in this action showed that the article con- tained no ingredient or combination of ingredients capable of producing certain curative and therapeutic effects claimed for it on the bottle label and in a circular shipped with the article. On March 31, 1932, the United States attorney for the District of Colorado, 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 condemnation of 16 bottles of the said Von's pink tablets, remaining in the original unbroken packages at Denver, Colo., consigned by the Omaha Von Co., , Omaha, Nebr., alleging that the article had been shipped in interstate commerce on or about March 19, 1932, from Omaha, Nebr., to Denver, Colo., 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 bismuth subnitrate, magnesium carbonate, calcium car- bonate, starch, and talcum. It was alleged in the libel that the article was misbranded in that the follow- ing statements regarding its curative and therapeutic effects, appearing in the labeling, were false and fraudulent, since the said article contained no ingredi- ent or combination of ingredients capable of producing the effects claimed: (Bottle label.) " To be used for stomach and intestinal disorders, and other systemic conditions, induced by hyper-acidity. Directions For the first week take one tablet after meals, three times a day, and drink a glass of milk between meals and a cup of hot milk at bedtime. The milk is beneficial but not abso- lutely necessary. After the first week then take two tablets, after meals, three times a day, and continue to drink the milk as before. Tablets may be chewed, broken up or partly dissolved in a tablespoonful of water, drinking water after- wards. Drink all the water you like anytime;" (pink circular) "Directions and instructions It Is Extremely Important that you follow all the directions and instructions faithfully for quick results. The treatment is the same for either Acidosis or Ulcers. Directions: The first week take one tablet after meals, three times a day. Drink a glass of milk, or fruit juice, two hours after each meal. If troubled with sleeplessness, warm the milk you drink in the evening. After the first three days, begin increasing the food you take at meal times. After the first week, take two tablets instead of one and continue the other directions as before. No lunches between meals, except the milk or fruit juice. Tablets should not be swallowed whole but should first be broken up, or partly dissolved in a tablespoon of water. Drink a full glass of water after- wards. Drink at least a quart of water each day. If you experience some nausea the first few days do not stop the treatment as it will soon pass. If constipated do not use harsh physics. Use pure mineral oil, secured at any drug store. Quit the mineral oil as soon as possible. Form the habit of a regular time each day for bowel attention. If your bowels are too loose at the start, boil one or more of the glasses of milk you drink. As you eat more food bowel looseness will quit. The stool will be quite dark or even black. Instruc- tions : Do not eat the following acid producing foods: wheat, oats or rice prod- ucts—white or whole-wheat bread—oatmeal—rice—pork or veal—eggs—fish— oysters—prunes or cranberries. You can, and should, eat the following foods: rye or corn breads, muffins or breakfast foods—beef, mutton and lamb—beef liver—all vegetables without exception and especially baked potato—any of the milk products, such as milk, cream, buttermilk, malted milk, cheese, ice cream— and you should especially make some fruit or fruit juice (except prunes or cranberries) a part of your breakfast each day. You can eat any desserts that are not made largely of eggs. Avoid alcohol in any form. Avoid tea entirely. Drink but one cup of coffee a day. If you now use tobacco do not stop. Infor- mation: There are no ingredients in these tablets to harm the most sensitive stomach, nor harm any other organ of the body. They contain no narcotics nor any other habit forming drugs. They do not lose their effect, as some medicines do, but can be taken over a long period of time with good results. The time it takes you to get well will depend on your condition, and how faithfully you follow the treatment. Ulcers should heal completely in sixty days of uninter- rupted treatment. Acidosis sometimes responds sooner and sometimes takes longer for complete results. A cold adds acid to the stomach. Worry and fear are bad for the stomach. Take reasonable outdoor exercise. As soon as you can, without distress, eat more substantial meals, at regular meal times, to build up your general strength and to give your stomach and bowels the exercise they need. We are interested in your getting well and will be glad to answer any questions concerning the treatment but we cannot diagnose cases nor act as consultants." On May 7, 1932, 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. ARTHUR M. HYDE, Secretary of Affriculture.