20568.  Misbranding of Collins plasters.    U.S. v. 132 Collins Plasters.    De- 
fault     decree     of     condemnation,    forfeiture,    and    destruction.
(F. & D. no. 29078.    Sample no. 9192-A.)
Examination of the drug preparation, Collins plasters, disclosed that the 
article contained no ingredient or combination of ingredients capable of pro- 
ducing certain curative and therapeutic effects claimed in the circular shipped 
with the article.
On October 19, 1932, the United States attorney for the District of Maine, 
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 con- 
demnation of 132 Collins plasters, remaining in the original and unbroken pack- 
ages at Portland, Maine, alleging that the article had been shipped in interstate 
commerce on or about September 8,1932, by the Potter Drug & Chemical Corpo- 
ration, from Maiden, Mass., to Portland, Maine, 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 capsicum oleoresin, starch, and rubber spread on a cloth 
fabric attached to two metal strips, one of zinc, the other of copper.
It was alleged in the libel that the article was misbranded in that the 
following statements appearing in the circular, regarding the curative or 
therapeutic effects of the article, were false and fraudulent: (Circular) "For 
the Relief of Pain, * * * and Inflammation * * * Collins Plaster, for 
the relief of pain, * * * and inflammation, * * * of healing and 
strengthening * * * for healing purposes, * * * healing virtues, 
* * * for the relief of pain and inflammation * * * To be used for: 
Rheumatism, * * * Local Pains, Affections of the Chest, Injuries of the 
Back, * * * weak Back, Cramp in the Stomach and Limbs, Rheumatism 
of the Wrist and Arms, Pains in the Chest, * * * Pain in the Hip, * * * 
Pain and Weakness in Side and Back, Lumbago, Sharp Pains in the Breast, 
and for Lameness and Soreness in any part of the Body. Collins Plasters for 
Lameness and Soreness In any part of the body * * * for the relief of 
pain, * * * and inflammation. * * * Special Directions. For Rheu- 
matism * * * Apply the Collins Plasters to any part of the body where 
pain or soreness is felt. * * * For Sciatica.-* * * If the pain is in 
the hip, * * * For Weak Muscles and Joints * * * imparting strength 
to weakened muscles and tendons. For Simple Bone Fractures, * * * For 
Spinal Pains, or pain in any part of the spinal column. They may prove of 
value placed over the spinal column and one on the pit of the stomach, when 
a decided and continuous effect is desired. For Chest Pains, difficult breathing, 
soreness or lameness of the chest * * * These affections are relieved in 
many cases by the application of the Collins Plasters. For Sensitive or Weak 
Lungs this plaster is usually of benefit, assisting in removing soreness, tender- 
ness and pain. * * * For Female Weakness. Females during certain 
periods may experience relief from the use of these plasters, when worn over
the abdomen or small of the back.   For Sudden and Severe Pains in the Side 
and Back, and in fact in any part of the body."
On January 30, 1933, 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.
R. G. TUGWELL, Acting Secretary of Agriculture.