22660. Misbranding of Epsom Salt Tablets. IT. S. v. Devore Manufacturing 
Co. Plea of guilty. Fine, $10. (F. & D. no. 31468. Sample no. 
42984-A.)
This case was based on a shipment of a product labeled to convey the im- 
pression that its laxative effect was derived from Epsom salt. Analysis 
showed that the 2 tablets recommended for a dose contained but a fruition 
of a dose of Epsom salt, and that it contained phenolphthalein and aloin, or 
aloes, which would produce its principal laxative effect. The article was also 
falsely labeled as to the name of the manufacturer.
On April 11, 1934, the United States attorney for the Southern District of 
Ohio, acting upon a report by the Secretary of Agriculture, filed in the district 
court an information against the Devore Manufacturing Co., a corporation, 
Columbus, Ohio, alleging shipment by said company in violation of the Food 
and Drugs Act, on or about August 18, 1932, from the State of Ohio into the 
State of Pennsylvania, of a quantity of Epsom salt tablets which were mis- 
branded.   The article was labeled in part: " Clover Leaf Epsom Salt Tablets."
Analysis of a sample of the article by this Department showed that the 
tablets contained magnesium sulphate (4.5 grains per tablet), phenolphthalein 
(0.54 grain per tablet), and aloin, coated with calcium carbonate.
It was alleged in the information that the article was misbranded in that 
the statements, " Epsom Salt Tablets Compound," " To be used in place of the 
ordinary disagreeable Epsom Salts", " Two Tablets as effective as a table- 
spoonful of Epsom Salt", and " Penn Drug & Supply Co., 2 Lackawanna Ave., 
Scranton, Pa. ", borne on the display card and carton and bottle labels, were 
false and misleading, in that they represented that the article was Epsom
salt tablets compound; that it could be used in place of the ordinary Epsom 
salts; that two tablets were as effective as a- tablespoonful of Epsom salt, and 
that it was manufactured by the Penn Drug & Supply Co., Scranton, Pa.; 
whereas the article was not Epsom salt tablets compound in that it contained 
an inappreciable amount of Epsom salt; it could not be used in place of the 
ordinary Epsom salts; two tablets were not as effective as a tablespoonful of 
Epsom salt; and the article was manufactured by the Devore Manufacturing 
Co., Columbus, Ohio.
On June 23, 1934, a plea of guilty was entered on behalf of the defendant 
company-and the court imposed a fine of $10.
M. L. WILSON, Acting Secretary of Agriculture.