The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 2 of 2Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry (American Medical Association)
Science
The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 2 of 2
Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry (American Medical Association)
Patent medicines
The claimed analysis is justified by my findings. I must take
exception, however, to the following statement: “Prepared with great
care from a good grade of Spring Wheat, by our special process, which
preserves the natural food properties of the product.” The company
evidently tries to carry water on both shoulders, on the one hand
claiming a reduction in the starch content, while on the other claiming
the preservation of all “the natural food properties.”
20 PER CENT. GLUTEN MEAL
Referee Company
Water 7.65 5-10
Ash 1.22 1-2
Protein (N × 5.7) 24.68 20-30
Fiber 0.12 1-2
Carbohydrates 65.41 65-70
Fat 0.92 1-2
Starch 51.24 65-70
The company’s analysis is confirmed. As the company claims directly
that this is “Not A Diabetic Food,” any criticism of its use for
that purpose is disarmed. However, again exception must be taken to
the statement that “the natural food properties of the product” are
preserved.
PURE GLUTEN MEAL
Referee Company
Water 4.60 5-10
Ash 0.96 1-2
Protein (N × 5.7) 76.78 75-80
Fiber 0.08 1-3
Carbohydrates 16.77 0-5
Fat 0.81 0.25-0.70
Starch 6.77 0-5
The minimum claim as to protein is justified. Again the company
confuses carbohydrates and starch, and the food instead of containing
from 0 to 5 per cent. of “carbohydrates (starch)” actually contains
16.77 per cent. of carbohydrates, of which 6.77 per cent. is starch.
Once more the statement that “the natural food properties” are
preserved is untrue as applied to a wheat product deprived of most of
its starch.
In justice to the company, it should be noted that on the labels of
“Pure Gluten Biscuit” and “Pure Gluten Meal” appears the warning:
“Every person suffering from diabetes should be under the care of
an experienced physician,” and on the label of “40 per cent. Gluten
Meal,” “Persons suffering from diabetes should use this food only on
the advice of a physician.” On the other hand, the suggestion on the
label of “Pure Gluten Meal,” “Write for a copy of Diabetic Foods and
How to Use Them” is a more or less direct invitation to self-treatment.
Moreover, a letter dated May 9, 1916, apparently dictated for the
Kellogg Food Company by one Ruth French, in reply to an inquiry from a
layman, gives direct advice with no reference whatever to a physician.
CLAIMS MADE IN A LETTER TO A LAYMAN
In addition to this inconsistent attitude the letter makes certain
clear misstatements, as follows:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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