21599. Misbranding of   Medisalt.     V.   S.   v.   1,074   Packages   of   Medisalt.
Consent decree of condemnation.    Product released under bond.
(F. & D. no. 31126.    Sample no. 42790-A.)
Examination of the drug product, Medisalt, disclosed that it contained no 
ingredient or combination of ingredients capable of producing certain curative 
and therapeutic effects claimed in the labeling. Tests of the article also 
showed that it was not an antiseptic when used as directed.
On September 21, 1933, the United States attorney for the Western District 
of Missouri, acting upon a report by the Secretary of Agriculture, filed in the 
district court a libel praying seizure and condemnation of 1,074 packages of 
Medisalt at Kansas City, Mo., alleging that the article had been shipped in 
interstate commerce on or about May 4, 1933, by the Carey Salt Co., from 
Hutchinson, Kans., and charging misbranding in violation of the Food on 
Drugs Act as amended.
Analysis of a sample of the article by this Department showed that it 
consisted essentially of sodium chloride, magnesium carbonate, and water, 
flavored with menthol and cassia oil. A bacteriological test showed that the 
article was not antiseptic when used as directed.
It was alleged in the libel that the article was misbranded in that the 
following statement appearing on the label was false and misleading: "Make 
Medisalt Antiseptic Solution by dissolving small quantity of Medisalt in warm 
water." Misbranding was alleged for the further reason that the following 
statements appearing in the circular shipped with the article, regarding its 
curative or therapeutic effects, were false and fraudulent: " The formation of 
the substance known to the profession as mucin plaques, but generally called 
film soon covers any debris left by a dentifrice. This covered debris, in turn, 
irritates the gum tissues, which results in a congestion or what is commonly 
called sore gums. The cells may become sluggish, thus impairing the circulation. 
The use of Medisalt assures you of a thoroughly clean mouth and sparkling 
teeth. At the same time * * * it stimulates the activity of the gums 
by * * * will result in a firm and healthy gum tissue. * * * Thor- 
oughly clean teeth do not decay; thoroughly clean gums do not become sore. 
Disease germs that attack the throat seldom lurk in a mouth that is really 
clean. * * * purifying * * * Some of the highest dental authorities 
have stated in books written for the practicing dentist that salt is a valuable 
aid in the prevention of mouth disease * * * a gargle for mouth and 
throat ailments * * * In scientific literature of the dental profession, 
frequent references are made to its use in treating soft and diseased gums. 
* * * If your gums are puffy or spongy, and dark in color, and have a 
tendency to bleed or show other signs of disease, see your dentist immediately, 
and follow his directions for the use of Medisalt. Such a condition is a 
distinct danger sign, one which needs professional attention. Do not depend 
upon Medisalt or any other dentifrice to correct the trouble.   See Your Dentist."
On October 6, 1933, the Carey Laboratories Corporation, Hutchinson, Kans., 
claimant, having admitted the allegations of the libel and having consented 
to the entry of a decree, judgment of condemnation was entered, and it was 
ordered by the court that the product be released to the claimant upon payment 
of costs and the execution of a bond in the sum of $500, conditioned that it 
should not be disposed of in violation of the Federal Food and Drugs Act or 
any other laws.
M. L. WILSON, Acting Secretary of Agriculture.