9689.  Misbranding of  Pratts   conditioner.     U.   S.     *     *     *     v.  21  Packages 
of Pratts Conditioner.     Default decree of condemnation, forfeiture,
and destruction.     (F. & D. No. 14413.     I. S. No. 3407-t.     S. No. C-2775.)
On February 5, 1921, the United States attorney for the District of Minne- 
sota, acting upon a report by the Secretary of Agriculture, filed in the District 
Court of the United States for said district a libel for the seizure and condem-
nation of 21 packages of Pratt's conditioner, remaining in the original unbroken 
packages at West Duluth, Minn., alleging that the article had been shipped by 
the Pratt Food Co., Chicago, Ill., May 2, 1918, and transported from the State 
of Illinois into the State of Minnesota, and charging misbranding in violation 
of the Food and Drugs Act, as amended.
Analysis of a sample of the article by the Bureau of Chemistry of this de- 
partment showed that-it consisted essentially of a mixture of ground plant mate- 
rial, salt, charcoal, sulphur, and a small amount of an iron compound.
Misbranding of the article was alleged in substance in the libel for the reason 
that the following statements regarding the curative and therapeutic effect 
thereof, (carton) " * * * aids in the prevention of Hog Cholera, * * * 
Assists in preventing slinking of Calves * * * insure healthy foal in mares 
and   make   stallions'   service   sure,    *    *    *    make   the   bulls'   service   sure
* *    *    For  Hog Cholera.—In  case  of hog  cholera  or any  other  sickness
* * *," were false and fraudulent since the said article contained no ingredi- 
ent or combination of ingredients capable of producing the effects claimed.
On July 22, 1921, no claimant having appeared for the property, judgment of 
condemnation and forfeiture was entered, and it was ordered by the court that 
the product be destroyed by the United States marshal.
C. W. PUGSLEY. Acting Secretary of Agriculture.