17211. Misbranding of Norma.    V. S. v. 3 Dozen Bottles of Norma.     Default 
decree   of   condemnation,   forfeiture,   and   destruction.     (F.   &   D.
No. 22397.    S. No. 458.)
On January 31, 1928, the United States attorney for the District of Columbia, 
acting upon a report by the Secretary of Agriculture, filed in the Supreme Court 
of the district aforesaid, holding a District Court, a libel praying seizure and 
condemnation of 3 dozen bottles of Norma, remaining in the original unbroken 
packages at Washington, D. C, alleging that the article was being sold and 
offered for sale by the Washington Wholesale Drug Exchange at Washington, 
in the District of Columbia, and charging misbranding in violation of the food 
and drugs act as amended.
Analysis of a sample of the article by this department showed that it con- 
sisted essentially of a soluble phosphate, glycerin, and water, with a small 
amount of plant extractive material and red coloring matter.
It was alleged in the libel that the article was misbranded in that the 
following statements regarding the curative and therapeutic effects of the 
said article borne on the bottle label and in the accompanying circular, were 
false and fraudulent, since the article contained no ingredient or combination 
of ingredients capable of producing the effects claimed: (Bottle) "A medicine 
containing an ingredient recognized by many leading physicians as helpful 
in the treatment of High Blood Pressure; " (circular) " The function of Norma 
is to aid Nature in its efforts to relieve the many sufferers from the distressing 
and unpleasant symptoms which usually accompany and manifest themselves 
in high blood pressure. High Blood Pressure is not a disease. It is a symptom 
of some disorder or abnormal condition. Sometimes it may be a result of 
mental worry or strain. Then again it may be the consequence of unhygienic 
living, over and improper feeding, insufScient physical exercise, accumulation of 
poisons or toxins in the system, change of life or various other causes. To 
determine the cause an examination by a physician is desirable. As Norma 
does not remove the cause of high blood pressure, it is advisable to discover 
the cause and use corrective medical or hygienic measures while taking Norma. 
Norma, however, usually reduces high blood pressure and thereby relieves 
dizziness, head pains, nervousness, restlessness, sleeplessness and other dis>- 
comforts and pains accompanying it. Those Who Know They Have High 
Blood Pressure. * * * Such persons usually find great relief with Norma 
which reduces most forms of high blood pressure promptly and satisfactorily. 
It thereby tends to bring relief from dizziness, head pains, nervousness, sleep- 
lessness, restlessness, melancholia, and other distress and ills due to high 
blood pressure and usually enables blood pressure sufferers to go about their 
daily work and pleasures in comfort.   One bottle often brings wonderful relief."
On February 13, 1930, 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.
ABTHUB M. HYDE, Secretary of Agricultwre.