19803. Misbranding of Koflg. V. S. v. 24 Packages of Koflg:. Default de- 
cree   of   condemnation,  forfeiture,  and  destruction.     (F.  &  D.  No.
27961.    I. S. No. 32620.    S. No. 5983.)
This action involved the interstate shipment of a coffee substitute which was 
represented to be essentially a fig product and which, upon examination, was 
found to consist largely of cereal grains with but a small proportion of fruit 
(including figs) present. The labeling of the article also bore unwarranted 
curative and therapeutic claims.
On March 31. 1932, the United States attorney for the District of Colorado, 
acting upon a report by the Secretary of Agriculture, filed in the District Court 
of the United States for the district aforesaid a libel praying seizure and con- 
demnation of 24 packages of Kofig, remaining in the original unbroken packages 
at Denver, Colo., consigned by Natural Foods & Products Co., Los Angeles, Calif., 
alleging that the article had been shipped in interstate commerce on or about 
April 7, 1931, from Los Angeles, Calif., to Denver, Colo., and that it was mis- 
branded in violation of the food and drugs act as amended. The article was 
labeled in part: (Carton) "The Genuine Original California Kofig * * * 
J. R. Neff Mfg. & Sole Owner, Claremont, Calif."
It was alleged in the libel that the article was misbranded in that the state- 
ments appearing on the label, " Kofig is rich in the vital laxative properties 
of sun-dried figs " and " The * * * fig beverage," were false and misleading 
when applied to an article containing essentially broken cereal grains, a small 
portion of fruit (including figs), and a trace of salt. Misbranding was alleged 
for the further reason that the statement on the carton regarding the curative 
or therapeutic effects of the article, " Stomach trouble, high blood pressure, poor 
sleep, etc.," was false and fraudulent.
On May 7, 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.
HENRY A. WALLACE, Secretary of Agriculture.