299. Misbranding:  of Infra-red  lamps.     TJ.   S.  v.   7  Infra-Red  Lamps.     Default
decree of condemnation and destruction.    (F. D. C. No. 1523.    Sample No.
90939-D.)
The labeling of this device contained false and misleading representations
regarding its efficacy in the conditions indicated below.
On February 27, 1940, the United States attorney for the Western District
of Washington filed a libel against 7 infra-red lamps at Seattle, Wash., alleging
that the article had been shipped in interstate commerce on or about July 26,
1939, from Los Angeles, Calif., by the Lenmar Co.; and charging that it was
misbranded.
Examination showed that the article consisted of a heating element screwed
into a table-type lamp base.
It was alleged to be misbranded in that the following statements appearing
in the labeling were false and misleading since they represented that it was
efficacious for the purposes recommended; whereas it was not efficacious for
such purposes: "Healing rays from the sun * * * they penetrate deep into
the flesh, stimulating the nerves and causing greatly increased circulatory
action, which destroys infections, rebuilds diseased tissues and promotes bodily
health and vitality. * * * Direct application of the lamp's rays on the area
of pain will relieve suffering from asthma, neuritis, stiff swollen joints, sinus
trouble, and rheumatism. Infra-red radiation, because of its soothing effect,
has no equal for deep cellular massage. By its action through direct contact
it breaks up congestion indicated by acute pain and poor circulation * * *
Heat rays penetrate down into the tissues, muscles, and even to the vital organs
bringing comfort and relief. * * * Women experiencing trouble at men-
struation will find comforting relief by using this Infra-Red lamp's * * *
anemia * * * asthma * * * bronchitis * * * backache * * *
bruises * * * catarrh * * * relieves hayfever discomforts * * *
cold * * * cramps * * * earache * * * insomnia * * * infec-
tion * * * kidney diseases * * * lumbago * * * menstrual pain
* * * muscle diseases * * * rheumatism, neuralgia, neuritis, sciatica,
neuritis * * * sinus trouble * * * laryngitis * * * toothache * ?* *
stiff neck * * * Infra-Red rays are also very beneficial in the treatment
of inflammation of the gall bladder, hysteria, nervous diseases, inflammation of
veins, bones, membranes, and inflammation of joints."
On May 29, 1940, no claimant having appeared, judgment of condemnation
was entered and the product was ordered destroyed.