People v. Treichler

178 A.D. 718, 165 N.Y.S. 453, 1917 N.Y. App. Div. LEXIS 6485

• Court: Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York
• Decided: May 23, 1917
• Status: Published

Opinion

Per Curiam:

Defendant on September 30, 1913, sold under the name “Vanilla Flavor ” a compound or mixture of several substances, of which only a small part was extract of vanilla. The formula was printed on the label together with the word “ compound,” but in type so small as not to attract the notice of purchasers, except upon close inspection.

We think the trial court erred in ruling as matter of law that defendant had not violated sections 200 and 201 of the Agricultural Law (Consol. Laws, chap. 1; Laws of 1909, chap. 9). We are of opinion that the evidence would support a finding that the article was both adulterated and misbranded within the meaning of those sections.

To the ordinary purchaser “ Vanilla Flavor ” would signify extract of vanilla for flavoring.

The case is in principle the same as People v. Butler, Incorporated (134 App. Div. 151; 148 id. 928; affd., 212 N.Y. 613).

The judgment entered on the nonsuit must be reversed and a new trial ordered, with costs to appellant to abide the event.

All concurred, except Merrell, J., who dissented.

Judgment reversed and new trial granted, with costs to appellant to abide event.