24675. Adulteration and misbranding of Watkins Veterinary Balm,    U. S. v.
39% Dozen Cans of Watkins Veterinary Balm. Default decree of con- 
demnation and destruction.    (F. & D.  no. 35279.    Sample no. 12122-B.)
This case involved a drug preparation the labeling of which contained un- 
warranted curative, therapeutic, antiseptic, and germicidal claims.
On March 23, 1935, the United States attorney for the Northern District of 
California, acting upon a report by the Secretary of Agriculture, filed in the 
district court a libel praying seizure and condemnation of 39% dozen cans of 
Watkins Veterinary Balm at Oakland, Calif., alleging that the article had been 
shipped in interstate commerce in various shipments between the dates of 
November 10,1934, and January 4,1935, by the J. R. Watkins Co., from Winona, 
Minn., and charging adulteration and misbranding in violation of the Food 
and Drugs Act as amended.
Analysis showed that the article consisted essentially of petrolatum contain- 
ing a small amount of methyl salicylate. Bacteriological tests showed that it 
was neither antiseptic nor germicidal.
The article was alleged to be adulterated in that its strength fell below the 
professed standard or quality under which it was sold, namely, "Germicidal 
Salve   *   *   *   Antiseptic dressing."
Misbranding was alleged for the reason that the following statements appear- 
ing on the label were false and misleading: "Germicidal Salve * * * It 
contains a powerful antiseptic which is more highly effective in killing than 
carbolic acid (phenol) * * * an antiseptic dressing." Misbranding was 
alleged for the further reason that the following statements regarding the cura- 
tive or therapeutic effects of the article were false and fraudulent: "Inflam- 
mation, and congestion of the udders of cows, sows and ewes. * * * for 
the relief of certain simple disorders peculiar to the udders of cows, sows and 
ewes, such as hardness, inflammation and congestion. * * * It is helpful 
in preventing and checking Cow Pox * * * It is valuable for open cuts, galls 
and sore shoulders in horses. * * * for * * * sores * * * For 
Cow Pox: Apply to teats before milking. Repeat until healed. * * * In 
extreme cases * * * Apply Veterinary Balm over affected parts * * * 
Repeat several times daily according to the seriousness of the trouble. * * * 
Sores * * * In serious cases * * * Repeat several times daily accord- 
ing to the seriousness of the trouble. "
On April 10, 1935, no claimant having appeared, judgment of condemnation 
was entered and it was ordered that the product be destroyed.
W. R. GEEGG, Acting Secretary of Agriculture.