26979. Misbranding of Beck's Little Wonder Headache Powders. U. S. v. 134 
Packages of Beck's Little Wonder Headache Powders. Default decree 
of condemnation and destruction. (F. & D. no. 38579. Sample no. 
28706-C.)
This product was labeled to convey the impression that it was a safe and 
appropriate remedy for the ailments for which it was recommended and that it 
contained no drug having the effects of phenacetin; whereas it contained 
acetanilide, which has the same physiological effects as phenacetin, and when 
used as directed it might be dangerous. The labeling also bore false and 
fraudulent curative and therapeutic claims.
On November 21, 1936, the United States attorney for the Western District of 
New York, acting upon a report by the Secretary of Agriculture, filed in the 
district court a libel praying seizure and condemnation of 134 packages of 
Beck's Little Wonder Headache Powders at Buffalo, N. Y., alleging that they 
had been shipped in interstate commerce on or about September 19, 1936, by 
A. L. Beck from Sharon, Pa, and charging misbranding in violation of the Food 
and Drugs Act as amended.
Analysis showed that the article consisted essentially of acetanilide (4i% 
grains per powder), caffeine, and potassium citrate.
The article was alleged to be misbranded in that the statement appearing 
In the circular, "These powders contain no Antipyrine, Phenacetine, Chloral 
Hydrate, Cocaine, Morphia, or other narcotics", was false and misleading since 
it created the impression that the article contained no ingredient closely related 
to and having the physiological effects similar to phenacetin; whereas it con- 
tained acetanilide, which chemically Is closely related to and has the physiolog- 
ical effects of phenacetin. It was alleged to be misbranded further in that 
the following statements appearing in the circular were false and misleading 
in that they would mislead the purchaser into the belief that the article was a 
safe and appropriate medicine for the treatment of neuralgia, toothache, colds, 
grippe, etc.; whereas it was not a safe and appropriate treatment, but was 
dangerous when used as directed: "Put a powder on the tongue and take a 
swallow of water. A second dose, if required, may be taken In fifteen, twenty 
or thirty minutes after the first; then at intervals of 4 to 6 hours if necessary 
to allay fever. * * * Children 5 to 10 years of age may be given one-fourth 
powder; 10 to 15 years, one-half powder; a second dose in 80 minutes if neces- 
sary, then every 6 hours. Neuralgia, Tooth-Ache, Golds, Grippe &c, Headache 
from malaria, (fever and ague) and neuralgia or tooth ache, should have 
medium doses of quinine with a Headache powder every four to six hours." 
The article was alleged to be misbranded further in that certain statements 
on the carton and in the accompanying circular falsely and fraudulently 
represented that it was effective in the treatment of sick and nervous headache, 
toothache, grippe, neuralgia, colds, etc, and headache from malaria (fever and 
ague).
On December 21, 1936, no claimant having appeared, judgment of condem- 
nation was entered and it was ordered that the product be destroyed.
HARRY L. BROWN, Acting Secretary of Agriculture,