770. Adulteration and misbranding' of Effervescing Solution of Citrate of Mag
nesia with Magnesia Sulphate. XJ. S. v. 342 Bottles of Effervescing- Solu-
tion of Citrate of Magnesia with Magnesia Sulphate. Default decree of
condemnation and destruction.    (F. D. C. No. 6758.    Sample No. 90417-B.)
This product was labeled to indicate that it consisted of a standard solution
of citrate of magnesia to which magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) had been
added; but it actually contained only about one-fourth as much magnesium oxide
and one-seventh as much citric acid as required by the U. S. Pharmacopoeial
standard. Furthermore, it contained Epsom salt in such an amount (approxi-
mately 10 grains per recommended dose of 11 fluid ounces) that its purgative
effect was due primarily to the added Epsom salt.
On February 4, 1942, the United States attorney for the District of Rhode
Island filed a libel against the above-named product at Providence, R. I., alleg-
ing that it had been shipped in interstate commerce on or about September 11,
1941, by Roma Extract Co., Inc., from Boston, Mass.; and charging that it was
adulterated and misbranded.
The article was alleged to be adulterated in that its strength differed from
that which it purported and was represented to possess, namely, "Effervescing
Solution of Citrate of Magnesia with Magnesia Sulphate," since its strength
differed from that of a solution of magnesium citrate to which magnesium
sulfate had been added. It was alleged to be misbranded in that the title,
"Effervescing Solution of Citrate of Magnesia with Magnesia Sulphate," borne
on the label, was false and misleading.
On April 1, 1942, no claimant having appeared, judgment of condemnation
was entered and the product was ordered destroyed.