21518. Misbranding of Key Tasteless Cod Liver Extract Tablets. U. S. v. 
24 Packages of Key Tasteless Cod Liver Extract Tablets. De- 
fault decree of condemnation, forfeiture, and destruction.     (F. &
D. no. 31034.    Sample no. 45956-A.)
Examination of the drug preparation involved in this case disclosed that it 
contained no ingredient or combination of ingredients capable of producing 
certain curative and therapeutic effects claimed on the box label and in a circu- 
lar shipped with the article.
On September 1, 1933, the United States attorney for the Eastern District of 
Wisconsin, acting upon a report by the Secretary of Agriculture, filed in the 
district court a libel praying seizure and condemnation of 24 packages of the 
said Key Tasteless Cod Liver Extract Tablets at Milwaukee, Wis., alleging 
that the article had been shipped in interstate commerce, on or about June 30, 
1933, by the Key Laboratories, from Chicago, Ill., 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 excipients including starch, sugar, and talc in which was 
incorporated 8.3 milligrams per tablet of chloroform-soluble material including 
fatty material and an extract from a bitter drug. The tablets were coated 
with calcium carbonate and colored with iron oxide,
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 therapeutic 
effects of the article, were false and fraudulent: (Box) " - The Key to Good 
Health' * * * An old remedy * * * A valuable aid in conditions of 
mal-nutrition and in weakened conditions due to Colds, La Grippe and other 
respiratory infections. Valuable in building up resistance in children and 
adults"; (circular) "An Old Remedy * * * Your Health is largely a mat- 
ter of resistance in overcoming disease germs- and the resulting weakened 
condition of the system. Years of experience have proved that Cod-Liver Oil 
is one of the most effective ways in which to build this resistance. Doctors 
prescribe it freely in all run-down conditions of children as well as grown-ups. 
If you are suffering from loss of appetite, loss of pep, or, if you are in a 
weakened condition as a result of a lingering Cough, a cold, deep-seated 
Bronchial Trouble, La Grippe, Influenza, Pneumonia and similar ailments, then 
Cod-Liver Oil is the logical treatment. Physicians have found that Cod-Liver 
Oil is very effective in treating * * * under-nourishment in Children. 
Even in conditions of normal health, it strengthens the teeth and bone structure. 
It tones up the whole system, relieves impoverished blood conditions, * * * 
and increases weight and energy. * * * if taken according to directions 
should show beneficial results within a few days but best results will be felt 
in approximately 30 days. It is advisable, however, in faulty conditions of 
long standing to continue the treatment over a longer period of time * * * 
follow the treatment persistently. * * * Is the regular doses that count. 
You will be more than satisfied with the results." (Similar statements in 
foreign languages.)
On September 29, 1933, no claimant having appeared for the property, judg- 
ment 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.