21245. Misbranding of   Astra  Asthma   Relievers.     U.   S.   v.   143  Packages   of
Astra  Asthma   Relievers.     Default   decree   of  condemnation,  for- 
feiture, and destruction.     (F. & D. no. 30046.    Sample no. 30418-A.)
Examination of the drug preparation, Astra Asthma Relievers, disclosed 
that the article contained no ingredient or combination of ingredients capable of 
producing certain curative and therapeutic effects claimed in the labeling.
On April 4, 1933, the United States attorney for the District of Maryland, 
acting upon a report by the Secretary of Agriculture, filed in the district court 
a libel praying seizure and condemnation of 143 packages of Astra Asthma 
Relievers at Baltimore, Md alleging that the article had been shipped in
interstate commerce, on or about November 1,1932, by Superior Medicated Prod- 
ucts Corporation from New York, N.Y., 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 of stramonium leaves prepared in the form of cigarettes.
It was alleged in the libel that the article was misbranded in that the follow- 
ing statements appearing in the labeling, regarding the curative and therapeu- 
tic effects of the article, were false and fraudulent: Carton) "* * * Re- 
lievers instantly relieve Asthma, Hay Fever, Bronchitis, Catarrh * * * 
Sore Throat and all ailments of the throat, nose, lungs, and respiratory tract. 
For instantaneous relief in any of these ailments, light up an Astra just the 
same as a cigarette, inhale deeply, and after a few seconds, slowly let the smoke 
out through the nostrils. In this way the smoke reaches all the affected 
parts * * * and opens up the air passages " ; (wrapper) " Instant relief for 
asthma, catarrh, hay fever "; (display carton) "Asthma Relievers * * * A 
sure relief from Asthma, Hay Fever, Bronchial Ailments."
On July 13, 1933, 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.
M. L. WILSON, Acting Secretary of Agriculture.