14226. Misbranding of Volta powder. U. S. v. 7& Dozen Boxes, et al., of 
Volta Powder. Default decrees of condemnation, forfeiture, and 
destruction. (F. & D. Nos. 20417, 20465. I. S. Nos. 91-x, 778-x. S. Nos. 
W-1776,  W-1789.)
On September 4 and 26, 1925, respectively, the United States attorney for the 
Northern District of California, acting upon reports by the Secretary of Agri- 
culture, filed in the District Court of the United States for said district libels 
praying seizure and condemnation of lOA dozen boxes of Volta powder, remain- 
ing in the original unbroken packages at San Francisco, Calif., alleging that 
the article had been shipped by the Volta Co. of America, Inc., from Philadel- 
phia, Pa., in two consignments, on or about April 8 and 28, 1924, respectively, 
and transported from the State of Pennsylvania into the State of California, 
and charging misbranding in violation of the food and drugs act as amended. 
The article was labeled in part: (Box) "Adapted To The Treatment Of 
Rheumatism of the Joints and Muscles, Sciatica, Lumbago, Gout, and Neuritis
* * * medication by absorption saves the stomach * * * To eliminate 
excess Uric Acid poison from the body either through the pores of the skin or 
through the kidneys,   and  thereby  to   stimulate the   system    *    *    *    Use
* * * until you find some relief * * * Better results should be obtained 
by applying after first bathing the feet in hoti water, so as to open the pores 
of the skin, as most sufferers from rheumatism have dry skin and seldom
i
perspire." The boxes containing a portion of the product were further labeled: ! 
" Eczema Frequently, Eczema has been relieved by using Volta Powder as j 
directed hereon for "Rheumatism. Be Fair To Yourself. Relief is noticed, in | 
most cases, within a few days, but patience is necessary. If the disease is ' 
chronic or of long standing, Volta Powder should be continued until all indi- ; 
cations of the cause have been removed."
Analysis by the Bureau of Chemistry of this department of a sample of the 
article showed that it consisted essentially of a mixture of sulphur and iron 
oxide, flavored with volatile oils including methyl salicylate.
Misbranding of the article was alleged in substance in the libels for the 
reason that the above quoted statements regarding its curative and therapeutic 
effects were false and fraudulent, since the said article contained no ingredient 
or combination of ingredients capable of producing the effects claimed.
On March 2, 1926, no claimant having appeared for the property, judgments 
of condemnation and forfeiture were entered, and it was ordered by the cowrt 
that the product be destroyed by the United States marshal.
C. F. MARVIN, Acting Secretary of Agr^i(lture.  :J1,J;