19157. Adulteration and Misbranding of Phenol Sodique. IT. S. v. 3 Dozen 
Bottles of Phenol Sodique. Default decree of condemnation, for- 
feiture, and destruction. (F. & D. No. 26779. I. S. No. 8171. S. No. 
4520.)
Examination of a drug product, known as Phenol Sodique, showed that the 
bottle and carton labels and the accompanying circular bore statements repre- 
senting that the article possessed curative and therapeutic properties which 
it did not possess. The article was also represented to be an antiseptic, whereas 
it was not.
On July 7, 1931, the United States attorney for the Western District of 
Tennessee, acting upon a report by the Secretary of Agriculture, filed in the 
District Court of the United States for the district aforesaid a libel praying 
seizure and condemnation of three dozen bottles of Phenol Sodique at Memphis, 
Tenn., alleging that the article had been shipped by Hance Bros. & White (Inc.), 
from Philadelphia, Pa., in part on or about March 12, 1930, and in part on or 
about September 15, 1930, and had been transported from the State of Pennsyl- 
vania into the State of Tennessee, and charging adulteration and 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 phenol, an alkali, and water. Bacteriological examination 
showed that the article, when used according to the directions in the labeling, 
was not antiseptic.
It was alleged in the libel that the article was adulterated in that it was 
sold under the following standard of strength, "Antiseptic;" whereas the 
strength of the said article fell below such professed standard, in that it was 
not antiseptic.
Misbranding was alleged for the reason that the following statements 
appearing in the labeling were false and misleading when applied to an article 
that was not antiseptic:, (Circular) "Phenol Sodique * * * A Nationally 
Used Antiseptic * * * in the treatment of all conditions where an anti- 
septic is indicated. * * * recommended as antiseptics. * * * two parts 
of Phenol Sodique to one part of water and used as an antiseptic wash * * * 
An antiseptic douche is an absolute necessity to every woman. Phenol Sodique 
will not injure or toughen the tender and sensitive tissues. * * * Phenol 
Sodique is used in the same proportions for smaller animals as human beings.
* * * Poisonous antiseptic solutions should, never be used;" (bottle label) 
"Phenol Sodique * * * As an antiseptic douche four tablespoonfuls to a 
quart of warm water;" (carton) "Phenol Sodique Antiseptic, * * * This 
Preparation is recommended as a prompt and reliable Antiseptic." Misbrand- 
ing was alleged for the further leason that the following statements appearing 
in the labeling, regarding the curative or therapeutic effects of the said article, 
were false and fraudulent, since it contained no ingredient or combination of 
ingredients capable of producing the effects claimed: (Circular) "Phenol 
Sodique * * * in the majority of cases, prove remedial and prevent serious 
complications. * * * Carbuncles, Boils, Pimples and Eczema * * * 
This treatment will be found very efficacious and healing. In cases of eczema, 
pimples   or   eruptions   on   various   parts   of   tie   body,    *    *    *    Chilblains
* * * Nasal Hemorrhages * * * will be found of value in treatment of 
Leucorrhoea or Whites. * * * Piles or Hemorrhoids * * * Pyorrhea 
or Bleeding Gums * * * Sore Throat * * .* Many contagious diseases 
are contracted through the mouth—Phenol Sodique, as a throat gargle or with 
an atomizer, three parts warm water to one part Phenol Sodique used every 
hour will give great relief. Many infected sore throats * * * can be 
prevented by gargling each evening, thus destroying the germs which accumu- 
late during the clay or during epidemics of contagious diseases. * * * Ulcers 
As an antiseptic wash to aid in cleansing ulcers apply * * * Is Also Indi- 
cated in the * * * Treatment of Canker * * * In the treatment of 
Catarrh;" (bottle label) "Phenol Sodique * * * Endorsed by dentists as a 
remedy in the treatment of Pyorrhea, Gingivitis and Trench Mouth. For 
affections of the mouth, throat, nose and all mucous surfaces, * * * Bleed- 
ing   Gums,   Pyorrhea    *    *    *    Sore   Throat;"    (carton)    "Phenol   Sodique
* *    *    For   *    *    *    Carbuncles,    Chilblains,    *    *    *    Itching    Piles, 
*    *    *    Tetters    *    *    *    Wounds.    *    *    *    in foetid discharges from the
Ear; as an application in Eruptive Diseases; as an injection for Leucorrhea;
* * * adjunct in the treatment of skin diseases. * * * Used externally 
as a dressing for Wounds * * * Chilblains, * * * in foetid discharges 
from the Ear; as an application in Eruptive Diseases; as an injection for 
Leucorrhoea,    *    *    *    In Chronic Catarrh.
On February 4, 1932, 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.
ABTHTJB M. HYDE, Secretary of Agriculture.