28351. Adulteration and misbranding of Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate). 
U. S. v. 506 Packages of Epsom Salts. Default decree of condemnation 
and destruction.     (F. & D. No. 40988.    Sample No. 60559-C.)
This product fell below the pharmacopoeial standard since it was deficient 
in magnesium sulphate and contained a material amount of sodium sulphate. 
The labeling contained false and fraudulent curative or therapeutic claims and 
a false and misleading representation that it was sterile, whereas it was not 
sterile.
On December 8, 1937, the United States attorney for the District of New 
Mexico, acting upon a report by the Secretary of Agriculture, filed in the dis- 
trict court a libel praying seizure and condemnation of 506 packages of Epsom 
salts at Albuquerque, N. Mex., alleging that the article had been shipped in 
interstate commerce on or about August 30, 1937, by the Larche Laboratories 
from Denver, Colo., and charging adulteration and misbranding in violation of 
the Food and Drugs Act as amended. The article was labeled: "Epsom Salts 
Magnesium Sulphate."
It was alleged to be adulterated in that it was sold under a name recognized 
in the United States Pharmacopoeia and differed from the standard of strength, 
quality, and purity prescribed therein, two samples having been found to con- 
tain 86.60 percent and 92.65 percent, respectively, of magnesium sulphate, and 
it contained a material portion of sodium sulphate, whereas the pharmacopoeia 
provides that Epsom salts shall contain not less than 99.5 percent of MgSO< 
(anhydrous magnesium sulphate) ; and its own standard of strength, quality, and 
purity was not stated on the container.
It was alleged to be misbranded in that the statements on the label, "Mag- 
nesium Sulphate * * * Nature Made It Pure * * * Hot concentrated, 
aqueous solutions of magnesium sulphate * * * are extensively used 
* * * cloths being saturated and applied while hot. The action * * * 
has the advantage of being sterile. These salts are guaranteed to be technically 
pure in every detail," were false and misleading in that they represented that 
the article was pure magnesium sulphate and was sterile; whereas it contained 
a material portion of sodium sulphate and when used as directed, was not 
sterile. It was alleged to be misbranded further in that the statement on the 
label, "used in the treatment of deep seated infections," was a statement re- 
garding the curative or therapeutic effect of the article and was false and 
fraudulent.
On January 10,1938, no claimant having appeared, judgment of condemnation 
was entered and the product was ordered destroyed.
HABBT L. BROWN, Acting Secretary of Agriculture.