24072. Adulteratlon and misbranding of Pyrol.     U. S. v. 102 Dozen Tubes
of    Pyrol.     Default    decree    of    condemnation    and    destruction.
(F. & D. no. 33276.    Sample nos. 843-B, 845-B.)
This case involved interstate shipments of Pyrol, the labeling of which con- 
tained unwarranted curative, therapeutic, and antiseptic claims.
On August 20, 1934, the United States attorney for the Western District of 
Washington, acting upon a report by the Secretary of Agriculture, filed in the 
district court a libel praying seizure and condemnation of 102 dozen tubes of 
Pyrol at Seattle, Wash., alleging that the article had been shipped in interstate 
commerce in various shipments on or about July 29, 1933, March 13, April 11, 
and May 11, 1934, by the Kip Corporation, Ltd., from Los Angeles, Calif., and 
charging adulteration and misbranding in violation of the Food and Drugs Act 
'as amended.
Analysis showed that the article consisted essentially of petroleum and zinc 
oxide with small amounts of phenol, salicylic acid, and essential oils including 
methyl salicylate. Bacteriological examination showed that it was not 
antiseptic.
The article was alleged to be adulterated in that its strength fell below the 
professed standard of quality under which it was sold, namely, "Antiseptic."
Misbranding was alleged for the reason that the following statements in the 
labeling were false and misleading: (Carton and tubes) "Pyrol is Composed 
of * * * Antiseptic * * * Oils"; (circulars) " Pyrol is * * * Anti- 
septic * * * Pyrol Contains * * * Antiseptic Oils." Misbranding was 
alleged for the further reason that the following statements regarding the cura- 
tive or therapeutic effects of the article, appearing in the labeling, were false 
and fraudulent: (Some tubes) "Heals severest burns without scar * * * 
eruptions are relieved and respond to Pyrol"; (some cartons) "Heals severest 
burns without scar * * * eruptions are relieved and respond to Pyrol"; 
(other tubes and cartons) "Boils Piles Ulcers * * * heals severest 
burns without scar * * * eruptions are relieved and respond to Pyrol"; 
(all circulars) "It prevents infection. No need to be incapacitated by burns 
or scalds. Pyrol * * * hastens healing—and almost invariably prevents 
scars. Eczema * * * .. Even in severe cases several applications will make 
the skin clear and free from this "disease. Sore Feet * * * Sores * * * 
Pimples, boils   *    *    *   respond immediately to Pyrol treatment.   After steril-
izing the affected area apply Pyrol freely and in severe cases keep bandaged. 
Dandruff * * * repeated several times per week will soon cure the worst 
cases of dandruff."
On February 20, 1935, no claimant having appeared, judgment of condemna- 
tion was entered and it was ordered that the product be destroyed.
M. L. WILSON, Acting Secretary of Agriculture.