29253. Misbranding of Dr. Belding Skin Remldln.    U. S. v. International Stock
Food  Go.  and Erie  B.  Savage.     Pleas of nolo contendere.    Fine, $50.
(F. & D. No. 39793.   Sample No. 36148-C.)
This product was misbranded because of false and fraudulent representa- 
tions regarding its curative and therapeutic effects. It was misbranded further 
since it was represented to be absolutely harmless; whereas it contained 
mercuric chloride which is not absolutely harmless to the skin.
On March 1, 1938, the United States attorney for the District of Minnesota, 
acting upon a report by the Secretary of Agriculture, filed in the district court 
an information against International Stock Food Co., a corporation, and Erie 
B. Savage, an officer of the said corporation, alleging shipment by said de- 
fendants in violation of the Food and Drugs Act as amended, on or about 
March 6, 1937, from the State of Minnesota into the State of Montana of a 
quantity of Dr. Belding Skin Remidin which was misbranded. The article was 
labeled in part: "Dr. Belding Medicine Co., Minneapolis, Minn."
Analysis showed that it consisted chiefly of alcohol, water, glycerin, and a 
small amount of ethyl acetate and mercuric chloride.
It was alleged to be misbranded in that statements borne on the label falsely 
and fraudulently represented its therapeutic and curative effectiveness to help 
nature in restoring a healthful activity of the skin, to kill poison, to help pre- 
vent barber's itch, to help nature restore a healthful condition and to keep 
the skin healthy when paints and powder are used, to help nature excite the 
glands and pores to healthful action, to cause impurities to be expelled through 
the skin, and to stimulate the glands; its effectiveness as a treatment, remedy, 
and cure for herpes (tetter), eczema (salt rheum), rash, scald head, milk 
scald, any rough skin, scabies, plant poisoning, hives, scratches, barber's itch, 
ringworm, itching piles, parasitic diseases, dandruff, and other scaly or scabby 
eruptions of the skin; and its effectiveness as an absorbent.
It was alleged to be misbranded further in that the statement borne on 
the label, "Absolutely harmless to the most delicate skin," was false and mis- 
leading since it represented that the article was absolutely harmless to the most 
delicate skin; whereas it was not absolutely harmless to the most delicate 
skin but contained mercuric chloride, which is not absolutely harmless to the 
skin.
On March 1, 1938, a plea of nolo contendere was entered by the defendants 
and they were sentenced to pay fines in the total amount of $50.
M. L. WILSON, Acting Secretary of Agriculture.