17861. Misbranding of Colcinl-Compound. U. S. v. 70 Bottles of Coloni- 
Compound. Default decree of condemnation, forfeiture, and de- 
struction.     (F. & D. No. 25237.    I.  S. No.  213.    S. No. 3513.)
Examination of samples of a drug product, known as Coloni-Compound, from 
the herein-described interstate shipment having shown that it contained less 
alcohol than declared on the label, and that the labels bore claims of curative 
and therapeutic properties that it did not possess, the Secretary of Agriculture 
reported the matter to the United States attorney for the Northern District of 
California.
On November 1, 1930, the United States attorney filed in the United States 
District Court a libel praying seizure and condemnation of 70 bottles of Coloni- 
Compound, remaining in the original unbroken packages at San Francisco, 
Calif., consigned by the Coloni Laboratories, St. Louis, Mo., alleging that the 
article had been shipped from St. Louis, Mo., on or about June 6, 1930, and 
transported from the State of Missouri into the State of California, 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 extracts of plant drugs including valerian, alcohol (17.6 
per cent), glycerin, and water.
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, appearing in the labeling, together with several circulars in the Spanish 
language containing similar statements, were false and fraudulent, since the 
article contained no ingredient or combination of ingredients capable of pro- 
ducing the effects claimed: (Carton and bottle labels) "A prescription of proven 
merit in the treatment of irregularities commonly referred to as female troubles. 
A uterine tonic and [on carton only " efficient"] regulator indicated particularly 
in menstrual disorders, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, leucorrhea, cramps, colic, 
backache, and congestion. * * * an ideal uterine tonic and regulator for 
nervous, weak, run-down women and girls reaching puberty, to relieve conges- 
tion. A reconstructive tonic and potent builder, intended to aid assimilation 
and proper function of the digestive system, which is essential to maintaining 
normal action of the body; " (bottle only) " When fatigued, in cramps or colic, 
a tablespoonful." Misbranding was alleged for the further reason that the 
statement on the carton, "Alcohol 22%," was false and misleading, and for the 
further reason that the package failed to bear a statement on the label of the 
quantity or proportion of alcohol contained therein, since the declaration of 
alcohol was incorrect.
On January 3, 1931, 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 Agriculture.