1081. Misbranding of Allen's Nijara Capsules.    U. S. v. 16 Dozen Packages and
71   Boxes   of  Allen's   Nijara  Capsules.    Decrees   of  condemnation   and
destruction.     (F. D. C. Nos. 9707, 9739.    Sample Nos. 37143-F, 37149-F.)
This product consisted of dried green stem and leaf material, including in one
lot such material as parsley and watercress, and in the other a considerable pro-
portion of tissues resembling parsley. Examination of a sample showed that
it contained not more than 5 U. S. P. units of thiamine (about ?o the minimum
daily requirement of thiamine), and but an inconsequential amount, if any,
or ascorbic acid, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, and vitamin D.
On March 25 and April 2, 1943, the United States attorney for the District
of Columbia filed libels against 16 dozen packages and 71 boxes of Allen's Nijara
Capsules at Washington, D. C, alleging that the article, which had been con-
signed by the Allen Products Co., Inc., Washington, D. C, on or about February
24 and March 23, 1943, was in interstate commerce; and charging that it was
misbranded. It was labeled in part: (Packages and boxes) "Twenty (20)
Capsules Allen's Nijara Composed of the following ingredients only: Asparagus,
Parsley, Watercress, Broccoli. For Adults: Suggested Daily Dosage: Five (5)
capsules daily."
The article was alleged to be misbranded in that the statements in the leaflet
entitled "Allen's Nijara," attached to the packages and boxes containing the
article, were false and misleading because they represented and suggested that
the article was effective to soothe pain, provide relief from rheumatism, arthritis,
neuritis, sciatica, gout, lumbago, and sinusitis; that it would supply a mineral
deficiency in the diet and provide pain relief from rheumatic disorders; that the
article was effective more quickly in the treatment of mild cases of the sym-
toms and the diseases mentioned than in cases of long standing; and that,
when taken in accordance with the directions, it would supply the body with
its needs for such important minerals as calcium and phosphorus, and with such
important vitamins as thiamine, riboflavin, ascorbic acid, nicotinic acid, and
vitamin D. The article was not so effective and would not supply the body with
its needs for the minerals and vitamins mentioned.
It was alleged to be misbranded further in that the statement "only fresh
vegetables are used in compounding Allen's Nijara," appearing in its labeling,
was false and misleading since the article was compounded of dried vegetables,
not fresh vegetables, and did not provide the vitamins that some vegetables
provide in their fresh state.
The article was also alleged to be misbranded under the provisions of the
law applicable to foods, as reported in notices of judgment on foods, No. 5795.
On May 12, 1943, no claimant having appeared, judgments of condemnation
were entered and the product was ordered destroyed.