Funny antique buy FAIL food label, collectors antique sub standard peas mint food can label, ephemera Baltimore company

An original antique lithograph label for a can of peas, boldly proclaiming that their product is "sub-standard!"

The back of the label explains that the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this company to label their food as "Below Standard in Quality". Either this labeling law was changed, or manufacturers have since found more "palatable" ways to say things! Anyway, buy one can always surround unpleasant copy with a garland of beautiful roses....

The label is in never-used (wonder why?) condition, mint from the printers. This is not a modern gag or copy, but a genuine antique food can label. You can see clearly that it is an old print in the last photo of the back. The lithograph printing is bright and vivid. Very rare advertising ephemera!

The food company is J. Langrall and Bro. Inc., Baltimore, MD, the label measures 4 1/4 " x 11". Will be shipped to you flat in plastic and cardboard.