20383. Misbranding of Pyro-Sana.    U.S. v. 22 Bottles of Pyro-Sana, et al.
Default   decree   of   condemnation,   forfeiture,   and   destruction.
(F. & D. no. 29018.    Sample no. 26229-A.)
Examination of the drug preparation Pyro-Sana disclosed that the article 
contained no ingredient or combination of ingredients capable of producing 
certain curative and therapeutic effects claimed in the circular shipped with 
the article.
On October 10, 1932, the United States attorney for the Eastern District of 
Louisiana, 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 twenty-two 16-ounce bottles and eight 6-ounce 
bottles of Pyro-Sana, remaining in the original unbroken packages at New 
Orleans, La., alleging that the article had been shipped in interstate commerce 
on or about January 12, 1932, by the Alhosan Chemical Co., from St. Louis, 
Mo., to New Orleans, La., 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 
consisted essentially of a small proportion of guaiacol, sugar, glycerin, and 
water (approximately 97 percent), colored with a red dye.
It was alleged in the libel that the article was misbranded in that the follow- 
ing statements appearing in the circular, regarding the curative or therapeutic 
effects of the article, were false and fraudulent: "Pyro-Sana is now employed 
by more than 21,000 Dentists, Mouth Specialists and Dental Surgeons who 
daily use and prescribe it for mouth and gum infections and inflammations, 
from spongy, bleeding gums to the most obstinate and stubborn conditions. 
Many of them have used Pyro-Sana for more than 15 years in treating such
affections, including Pyorrhea and Trench Mouth. They have found its medic- 
inal values singularly adapted to the delicate tissue and membrane of the 
mouth and gums, and have commended its prompt and effective action, as 
well as its soothing and pain-easing qualities. Pyro-Sana is Sure and Safe 
* * * The Combined Medicinal Values of Pyro-Sana are Potent and Vital 
Agents wherever applied to inflamed, irritated or infected tissues and mem- 
brane, on any part of the human body. The immediate effect is both soothing 
and pain easing. Pyro-Sana is recommended for Throat, Tonsils and Nasal 
Passages   *   *   *   Inflamed Areas."
On December 12, 1932, 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.
R. G. TTJGWELL, Acting Secretary of Agriculture.