20910. Misbranding of Dunlop pyorrhea paste.    U. S. v. 57 Tubes of Dunlop
Pyorrhea Paste.    Default decree of condemnation, forfeiture, and 
destruction.     (F. & D. no. 29586.    Sample no. 22430-A.)
Examination of a sample of Dunlop pyorrhea paste disclosed that the article 
contained no ingredient or combination of ingredients capable of producing 
certain curative and therapeutic effects claimed in the labeling.
On December 3, 1932^ the United States attorney for the District of Mary- 
land, acting upon a report by the Secretary of Agriculture, filed in the district 
court of the United States a libel praying seizure and condemnation of 57 
tubes of Dunlop pyorrhea paste at Baltimore, Md., alleging that the article 
had been shipped in interstate commerce, on or about October 7, 1982, by the 
Emme Dental Specialty Co., from St. Paul, Minn., to Baltimore. Md., 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 boric acid, glycerin, alcohol (4.4 percent by weight), and 
water flavored with peppermint oil.
It was alleged in the libel that the article was misbranded in that the 
following statements appearing in the labeling, regarding the curative and 
therapeutic effects of the article, were false and fraudulent: (Tube and 
carton) "Pyorrhea Paste * * * For the Treatment of Pyorrhea and 
Mouth Diseases"; (carton) "Patients' Directions: Dunlop Pyorrhea Paste 
is not a mere dentifrice. In pyorrhea cases or trenchmouth if the gums are 
too sore to brush, paste may be applied with the finger, rubbing lightly. Rub 
with up and down motion, working paste under the gum margin as well as 
massaging the gums. This paste may be used to great advantage in all cases 
of infection, applying direct to the wound. Read Carefully Home Directions 
Inclosed. * * * Tissue Treatment for Pyorrhea and Mouth Diseases "; (cir- 
cular) " We claim that the use of our preparations by the patient or general 
public according to directions will give quick relief in all cases of gum and 
tissue diseases, and will greatly retard, if not entirely step, the advancement 
of these infections." Certain representations in the printed circular shipped 
with the article, which were intended to convince the purchaser of the value 
of the preparation in the treatment of pyorrhea, also were charged to be false 
and fraudulent.
On March 16, 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.