21552. Adulteration and misbranding of Sterodent Propbylactic Cleanser
and Steraseptlc Tablets. U. S. ~v. 46 Small and 19 Large Packages 
of Sterodent Propbylactic Cleanser and Certain Packages of 
Steraseptlc Tablets. Default decrees of condemnation, forfeiture, 
and destruction.     (F. & D. nos. 30588, 30589.    Sample no. 38223-A.)
These cases involved an interstate shipment of certain drug products known 
as Sterodent Cleaner and Steraseptic Tablets. Examination disclosed that the 
articles contained no ingredients or combinations of ingredients capable of 
producing certain curative and therapeutic effects claimed in the labelings. 
It was claimed that the Sterodent Cleanser contained mercurochrome and 
sodium perborate, whereas it contained no sodium perborate and an insignificant 
amount of mercurochrome. Tests of the said Sterodent Cleanser showed that it 
did not have the germicidal properties claimed'.
On June 12, 1933, the United States attorney for the Eastern District of 
Pennsylvania, acting upon a report by the Secretary of Agriculture, filed in the 
district court libels praying seizure and condemnation of 46 small and 19 large 
packages of Sterodent Prophylactic Cleanser and certain packages of Sterasep- 
tic Tablets at Easton, Pa., alleging that the articles had been shipped in inter- 
state commerce on or about April 4, 1933, by the Sterile Products Co., from 
San Diego; Calif., and charging adulteration and misbranding with respect to 
the former, and misbranding with respect to the latter, in violation of the 
Food and Drugs Act as amended.
Analyses of sample of the articles by this Department showed that the 
Sterodent Prophylactic Cleanser consisted essentially of a powdered silicate, 
calcium carbonate, borax, and glycerin, flavored with spearmint oil and col-
ored with a pink dye. Sodium perborate was not present, and mercurochrome 
was present in an insignificant proportion. Bacteriological examination showed 
that the article was not a germicide. The Steraseptic Tablets contained alum- 
inum sulphate and lactose, flavored with peppermint oil and colored with a 
red' dye. Bacteriological examination showed that the solution of these tablets 
recommended for use was not antiseptic.
It was alleged in the libel that the Sterodent Cleanser was adulterated in that 
it was claimed to be a " paste containing Mercurochrome and Sodium Per- 
borate", whereas it contained no sodium perborate and only an insignificant 
amount of mercurochrome.
Misbranding of the said Sterodent Cleanser was alleged for the reason that 
the following statements in the labeling were false and misleading: (Jar) "A 
prophylactic paste containing Mercurochrome and Sodium Perborate", (circular 
describing product) "Sterodent Prophylactic Cleanser owes its wonderful clean- 
ing and polishing properties to prophylactic agents harmless to tooth struc- 
ture * * * Mercurochrome, the penetrating and powerful germicidal prop- 
erties of which are well known to the dental profession, acts as a prophylactic 
agent against the infection of abrasions and lacerations, which may be pro- 
duced during cleaning as well as imparting a healthy pink color to the gums. 
Sodium Perborate acts almost as a specific in Vincent's Infection (Trench 
Mouth). Its destructive action against the organisms, Vincent's spiro-chaetae 
and the fusiform bacilli, which are always associated with this disease, is so 
well known to the dental profession that its prophylactic value in a cleaning 
paste in this day when these organisms are so often present in the mouth where 
the disease itself has not become active, need not be elaborated upon. * * * 
Allow it to remain for a few moments or a sufficient time to permit the Mercuro- 
chrome to penetrate the gum tissues, imparting to them a healthy pink tone "; 
(circular describing other products) " Contains Mercurochrome and Sodium 
Perborate."
Misbranding of both products was alleged for the reason that the following 
statements regarding their curative and therapeutic effects were false and 
fraudulent: (Sterodent Cleaner, circular describing product) "Mercurochrome, 
the penetrating and powerful germicidal properties of which are well known 
to the dental profession, acts as a prophylactic agent against the infection of 
abrasions and lacerations, which may be produced during cleaning as well as 
imparting a healthy pink color to -the gums. Sodium Perborate acts almost as 
a specific in Vincent's Infection (Trench. Mouth). Its destructive action against 
the organisms, Vincent's spirochaetae and the fusiform bacilli, which are 
always associated with this disease, is so well known to the dental profession 
that its prophylactic value in a cleaning paste in this day when these organ- 
isms are so often present in the mouth where the disease itself has not become 
active need not be elaborated upon. * * * Allow it to remain for a few 
moments or a sufficient time to permit the Mercurochrome to penetrate the gum 
tissues, imparting to them a healthy pink tone", (Steraseptic Tablets, can) 
" The Aseptic Gargle & Mouth Wash For Pyorrhea, Infected Gums, Mouth & 
Throat Disorders", (circular) "Healing * * * Producing an Aseptic Con- 
dition Necessary to Disease Prevention and Cure * * * It is a Nose and 
throat Aseptic and Cleanser of the slimes and films that harbor and breed 
bacteria. Asepsis * * * Cleanliness—Free From Germs—is the primary 
principal of modern surgery. Nature Does The Healing. Steraseptic solution 
coagulates (curdles) and removes Mucus, Mucin (Film) and Albuminous secre- 
tions from the teeth; mouth and throat, together with all bacteria—dead or 
alive—contained therein. It penetrates between the teeth and into places dif- 
ficult to clean with a brush or tooth paste. This Modern Method of Asepsis 
is more effective than attempts to kill bacteria. * * * Aseptic properties 
of Steraseptic account for its remarkable effect in contracting and hardening 
soft, spongy, bleeding gums. As a nasal and throat spray for * * * sore 
* * * throat * * * For Pyorrhea, Vincent's infection, sore, tender or 
bleeding gums, and after extractions of teeth, use not less than four times a 
day. * * * For sinus trouble ,use half strength as a nasal douche or 
irrigation."
On September 5, 1933, no claimant having appeared for the property, judg- 
ments of condemnation and forfeiture were entered, and it was ordered by the 
court that the products be destroyed by the United States marshal.
M. L. WILSON, Acting Secretary of Agriculture.