27701. Adulteration of Epsom salt compound tablet».     U. S. v. The Shores Co.,
Inc. Plea of guilty. Fine, $25. (F. & D. No. 35986. Sample No. 
30399-B.)
These tablets were represented to derive their laxative properties from Epsom 
salt, whereas their laxative effect was derived chiefly from phenolphthalein, a 
coal-tar drug, the small amount, of Epsom salt present being relatively 
unimportant.
On March 20, 1936, the United States attorney for the«Northern District of 
Iowa, acting upon a report by the Secretary-of Agriculture, filed in the district 
court an information against the Shores Co., Jnc, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, alleging 
shipment by said company on or about May 2, 1935, from the State of Iowa 
into the State of New York of a quantity of a product, invoiced "Epsom Comp. 
Tablets SC White," which was adulterated. The article was labeled in part: 
(Drum) "From the laboratories of The Shores Company, Cedar Rapids. Iowa."
It was alleged to be adulterated in that its strength and purity fell below 
the professed standard and quality under which it was sold, since the tablets 
were represented to consist of Epsom salt; whereas they did not so consist, 
but did contain a small amount only of Epsom salt, or magnesium sulphate, 
and contained phenolphthalein, an organic compound derived from coal tar, as 
the active cathartic present.
On September 28, 1937, a plea of guilty was entered on behalf of the defend- 
ant, and the court imposed a fine of $25 and costs.
M. L. WILSON, Acting Secretary of Agriculture.