17754. Misbranding of Iroquois Famous Indian herb tea. U. S. v. 109 
Boxes of Iroquois Famous Indian Herb Tea. Default decree of 
condemnation, forfeiture, and destruction. (F. & D. No. 25155. 
I. S. No. 4534.    S. No. 3423.)
Examination of samples of a drug product, known as Iroquois Famous Indian 
herb tea, from the herein-described interstate shipment having shown that the 
article contained drugs that were not known to the Indians, and that the labels 
bore claims of curative properties that the article did not possess, the Secretary 
of Agriculture reported the matter to the United States attorney for the District 
of New Jersey.
On September 18, 1930, the said United States attorney filed in the District 
Court of the United States for the district aforesaid a libel praying seizure and 
condemnation of 109 boxes of Iroquois Famous Indian herb tea, remaining in 
the original unbroken packages at Newark, N. J., alleging that the article had 
been shipped by the Iroquois Famous Indian Remedies Co. (Inc.), from New 
York, N. Y., on or about August 16, 1930, and had been transported from the 
State of New York into the State of New Jersey, and charging 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 coriander, fennel, celery, senna, buchu, chamomile, sassafras, 
and triticum.
It was alleged in the libel that the article was misbranded in that the fol- 
lowing statements on the label, " Iroquois Famous Indian Herb Tea, * * * 
Iroquois Famous Indian Remedies Co. * * * Used by the Indians for cen- 
turies," and the design of an Indian's head labeled " Iroquois " were false and 
misleading, since several of the drugs in the preparation were unknown to 
the IndKans. Misbranding was alleged for the further reason that the fol- 
lowing statements regarding the curative or therapeutic effects of the article, 
borne on the label, were false and fraudulent, since it contained no ingredient 
or combination of ingredients capable of producing the effects claimed: " Nerv- 
ousness, Weakness, Heart-trouble, Kidney and Liver Trouble, Weak Blood, 
Loss of Appetite, Asthma, Rheumatism, and especially Appendicitis, many times 
are due to a bad stomach, such as Indigestion * * * A superb vegetable 
tonic that creates health and strength. Used successfully by thousands of suf- 
ferers. It * * * helps to heal the stomach. Drink it when you feel bad, 
it will help you. A good stomach means good health, a sound body and long 
life.    *    *    *   Two cups a day are suggested for quick relief."
On October 29, 1930, no claimant having appeared for the property, judgment 
of condemnation and forfeiture was entered, and it was ordered by the court 
that the product be destroyed by the United States marshal.
ARTHUR M. HYDE, Secretary of Agriculture.