278. Misbranding: of Eczematone.   17. S. v. 72, 33, and 10 Packages of Eczematone.
Default   decree   of   condemnation  and   destruction.     (F.   D.   C.   No.   2180.
Sample No. 16232-E.)
This product would be dangerous to health when used as directed in the
labeling, which bore false and misleading representations regarding its efficacy
in the conditions indicated below.
On June 7, 1940, the United States attorney for the Western District of Mis-
souri filed a libel against 115 various-sized packages of Eczematone at Kansas
City, Mo., alleging that the article had been shipped in interstate commerce on
or about April 11, 1940, by the Barlow Chemical Association from Oklahoma
City, Okla.; and charging that it was misbranded.
Analysis showed that the article consisted essentially of alcohol (85 percent),
mercuric chloride (0.37 percent), and water.
The article was alleged to be misbranded in that representations in the label-
ing that it would aid nature and promote healing; that it was an invigorating,
stimulating treatment; and that it was efficacious in the treatment of minor
irritating skin and scalp disorders, sprains, minor aches and pains that could
be reached by external application, and of burning, itching and loose, scaly,
dandruff were false and misleading since it was not efficacious for the purposes
recommended.
It was alleged to be misbranded further in that it was dangerous to health
when used in the dosage or with the frequency or duration prescribed, recom-
mended, or suggested in the labeling, namely: "Directions apply freely to parts
affected two or three times a day * * * Directions apply freely to roots of
the hair, massage in well every other day for a week. Shampoo the hair
thoroughly, and when dry apply another application of Eczematone immediately.
Repeat the following week if necessary. After that, apply freely once a week
for continued results."
On September 16, 1940, no claimant having appeared, judgment of condemna-
tion was entered and the product was ordered destroyed.