Baxter fined $15,000 for problems at plant

WASHINGTON -- Drug and medical device maker Baxter International has agreed to pay a $15,000 fine for inadequately testing irradiation equipment at a plant in Puerto Rico.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission said Thursday its inspectors uncovered at least three violations during an inspection last March at a plant in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, where syringes are made. In 2004, the commission fined Deerfield-based Baxter $44,000 for several violations at the same plant, including failure to follow safety procedures designed to protect workers from radiation exposure.

The March 2007 inspection showed the company did not conduct regular safety tests of irradiators used to kill germs that can form on medical products. The company also did not keep complete and accurate records of safety inspections and maintenance tests, the inspectors said.

"Deliberate acts" by Baxter employees caused the problems, the inspectors concluded. A spokesman for Baxter said the employees responsible have been disciplined, but could not confirm whether they are still with the company.

In a settlement reached with the government in December, the company acknowledged the violations.