PETA files animal-abuse complaint against Covidien

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, an animal rights group, has accused Mansfield-based Covidien Ltd., which makes health products, of abusing dogs and pigs at its New Haven facility. In a complaint filed with the Department of Agriculture, PETA said a former Covidien employee reported that dogs and pigs were accidentally killed by poorly trained workers. In another case, a respirator was allegedly forced down the throat of a dog without anesthesia. PETA said the worker was fired after complaining about the abuse. Covidien spokesman David Young said the company isn't aware of the allegations in the complaint, but uses laboratory animals only when necessary, treats them humanely, and is in compliance with all regulations governing their use. (Todd Wallack)

The Federal Aviation Administration should "clean house from top to bottom" and has too cozy a relationship with the airlines, the head of a congressional committee investigating airline safety inspections said. The problems have led to the sort of lax enforcement that allowed Southwest Airlines to fly at least 117 aircraft past mandatory inspection deadlines, said Representative James Oberstar, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chairman. Oberstar, a Minnesota Democrat, also said he believes similar violations may have occurred at other airlines, but that those who have such evidence are afraid to come forward. Oberstar said his committee has seen evidence that Southwest Airlines, with the complicity of the FAA, allowed its aircraft to fly in violation of federal aviation regulations. (AP)

Boeing Co. said it will give "serious consideration" over the weekend to filing a formal protest of the Air Force's decision to award a $35 billion tanker contract to European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. and Northrop Grumman Corp. Following a debriefing by Air Force officials, Boeing said reports of it losing the competition by a wide margin are inaccurate. Mark McGraw, a Boeing vice president and program manager of the aerial refueling tanker program, also said company officials have "significant concerns about the process in several areas, including program requirements related to capabilities, cost, and risk, evaluation of the bids, and the ultimate decision." (AP)

Drug maker Amgen Inc. says regulators have added warnings about risks of death and tumor growth to its blockbuster anemia drugs. The warnings approved by the Food and Drug Administration say that the drugs increased death and accelerated tumor growth in patients with several types of cancer, including breast and cervical. Prior labeling added to the drugs in November warned of similar risks in other types of cancers. The warnings apply to Aranesp and Epogen, as well as Procrit, sold by Johnson & Johnson. The drugs treat the blood-disorder anemia in patients with kidney failure or who are undergoing chemotherapy. (AP)

Kmart Pharmacy said it would offer a choice of 10 over-the-counter medications from the chain's American Fare brand for $1 with every prescription purchase. The medications will be offered through the company's new American Fare Dollar Program. Kmart said the medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, children's pain reliever, baby aspirin, nasal decongestant, cough suppressant, antidiarrhea medication, and cold and allergy tablets. The program is launching in Florida and will be available at every Kmart in April. (AP)

A Stark Candy Co. plant in Pewaukee, Wis., that makes candy Valentine hearts and Candy Raisins will close, eliminating 137 jobs. New England Confectionery Co., which owns the plant, told Wisconsin it will close the plant May 30. The so-called conversation hearts bearing messages such as "Be Mine" and "Only You" will continue to be made at NECCO's newer, larger plant in Revere, Mass., said Bill Leva, the company's vice president of operations. (AP)