14712. Misbranding  of Vitona.     U.  S. v. 200 Packages  of Vitona.     Default
decree of destruction  entered.      (F.  & D. No. 21003.     I.  S.  No.  1987-x. 
S. No. C-506-o.)
On April 6, 1926, the United States attorney for the Southern District of 
Ohio, acting upon a report by the Secretary of Agriculture, filed in the District 
Court of the United States for said district a libel praying seizure and condem- 
nation of Vitona, at Columbus, Ohio, consigned by the Vitona Mineral Ore- 
Co., Marshall, Tex.. November 14, 1925, alleging that the article had been 
shipped in interstate commerce from Marshall, Tex., into the State of Ohio, 
and charging misbranding in violation of the food and drugs act as amended. 
The article was labeled in part: " Packed by Vitona Mineral Ore Co. * * * 
Marshall, Tex."
Analysis by the Bureau of Chemistry of this department of a sample of the 
article showed that it consisted of crude silicate ore containing iron sulphate, 
free sulphur and charcoal, with traces of calcium, magnesium and aluminum 
sulphates.
It was alleged in substance in the libel that the article was misbranded, in 
that the following statements regarding its curative and therapeutic effects, 
borne on the carton containing the said article, were false and fraudulent, 
since it contained no ingredient or combination of ingredients capable of pro- 
ducing the effects claimed: " Vitona for Rheumatism, Indigestion, Kidney and 
Bladder Troubles; and for all Diseases arising from Impure or Impoverished 
Blood    *    *    *    In severe cases of Rheumatism and Gout    *    *    *    a miner
cured of falling fits of nineteen years standing * * * Wonderful Mineral 
Tonic * * * has relieved thousands * * * of Indigestion, Catarrh, Ec- 
zema, Diabetes, Rheumatism, Piles, Inflamed Sore Eyes, Gout, Blood Poison, 
Old Sores, Erysipelas, Tetter, Flux, Constipation, Female Complaints and 
Irregularities, and all Blood Diseases. If you are afflicted with any of these 
diseases or if your system is all run down * * * this Wonderful Natural 
Remedy will do wonders for you."
On October 16, 1926, no claimant having appeared for the property, judgment 
was entered, finding the product misbranded, and it was ordered by the court 
that it be destroyed by the United States marshal.
W. M. JABDINE, Secretary of Agriculture.