30968. Adulteration and misbranding of First Aid Kits. U. S. v. 55% Dozen 
Packages and 76 Dozen Packages of First Aid Kits. Product released 
under bond for relabeling and reconditioning. (F. & D. Nos. 45512, 
45513.   Sample Nos. 56229-D, 56231-D.)
This product had been shipped in interstate commerce and remained unsold 
and in the original packages. At the time of examination the absorbent cotton 
in the kits was found to be contaminated with viable micro-organisms.
On June 21, 1939, 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 131% dozen packages 
of First Aid Kits at San Francisco, Calif.; alleging that the article had been 
shipped on or about July 20, 1988, and April 14, 1939, from New Rochelle, N. T.; 
and charging adulteration and misbranding in violation of the Food and Drugs 
Act. The article was labeled in part: "White Cross All Purpose First Aid Kit" 
or "Guardian First Aid Emergency Kit."
It was alleged to be adulterated in that its purity fell below the professed 
standard or quality under which it was sold, namely, (packages of absorbent 
cotton) "Sterilized," since the cotton was not sterile but was contaminated with 
viable micro-organisms.
Misbranding was alleged in that the following statements on the packages 
were false and misleading when applied to an article which was not sterile: 
(Absorbent cotton, all cartons) "Sterilized"; (some cartons) "The White Cross 
of Perfection is your Protection * * * Sterilized after Packaging" ; (leaflet 
enclosed with White Cross All Purpose First Aid Kits) "Absorbent Cotton 
(Sterilized)."
On August 31, 1939, a claimant having appeared and having filed an answer, 
judgment of condemnation was entered and the product was ordered released 
under bond conditioned that it be relabeled and reconditioned so as to comply 
with the Food and Drugs Act.
GEOVEE B. HELL, Acting Secretary of Agriculture.