19188. Misbranding of Ballard's Golden oil. IT. S. v. 30 Small and 24 Large 
Bottles of Ballard's Golden Oil. Defanit decree of condemnation, 
forfeiture, and destruction. (F. & D. No. 27338. I. S. No. 38825. 
S. NO. 5405.)
Examination of a drug product, known as Ballard's Golden oil, from the 
shipments herein described having shown that the bottle label and wrapper and 
an accompanying circular bore statements representing that the article pos- 
sessed curative and therapeutic properties which it did not possess, the Secre- 
tary of Agriculture reported the matter to the United States attorney for the 
District of Massachusetts.
On December 5, 1931, the United States attorney filed in the District Court 
of the United States for the district aforesaid a libel praying seizure and con- 
demnation of 30 small and 24 large bottles of Ballard's Golden oil, remaining 
in the original unbroken packages at Boston, Mass., alleging that the article 
had been shipped by the Ballard Golden Oil Co., from Old Town, Me., in various 
consignments, on or about February 17, April 2, and June 3, 1931, and had been 
transported from the State of Maine into the State of Massachusetts, 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 linseed oil with a small proportion of volatile oils such as 
peppermint oil, cedar oil, origanum oil, and methyl salicylate.
It was alleged in the libel that the article was misbranded in that the follow- 
ing statements appearing in the labeling, regarding the curative or therapeutic 
effects of the article, were false and fraudulent, since it contained no ingredient 
or combination of ingredients capable of producing the effects claimed: (Bottle) 
" For the relief of * * * Croup, Colic, Asthma, * * * Common Sore 
Throat, Whooping Cough * * * for Muscular Rheumatism * * * Fresh 
Wounds;" (wrapper) " Used for the relief of   *    *    *    Croup, Colic, Asthma,
* *    *    Common   Sore   Throat,    Whooping   Cough,    *    *    *   Rheumatism,
* * * Fresh Wounds;" (circular) "Be prepared for the emergency which 
may come at any time, such as   *    *    *    croup, asthma, common sore throat,
* * * and etc. * * * For Croup. For * * * Common Sore Throat 
take Ballard's Golden Oil freely as directed, heat and rub throat with the Oil, 
this will aid to soothe, loosen and heal the affected parts. For Colic take 
Ballard's Golden Oil as directed, let it help you get rid of the griping pains. 
For Muscular Rheumatism * * * it is a foe to Inflammation ; thousands use 
and praise it for * * * healing qualities. * * * It Is Wonderful For 
Children * * * it is highly recommended as an emergency remedy for its 
loosening,   *   *   *   and healing qualities."
On January 22, 1932, 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.
ABTHTJB M. HIDE, Secretary of Agriculture.