Briefs: Baxter recalls blood thinner

DEERFIELD -- Nine lots of heparin blood thinner -- the medicine at the center of a lawsuit filed by actor Dennis Quaid over an overdose given to his newborn twins -- were recalled by Baxter International Inc. after an increase in reports of adverse reactions in patients. Baxter said Friday it is conducting an investigation to identify the cause of the allergy-like reactions, which have included stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, chest pain and fainting. Some of the reactions may be life-threatening, the company said. Nine lots represents about 10 percent of the company's annual production of heparin, a spokeswoman said.

Tyson cutting 1,500 jobs

EMPORIA, Kan. -- Tyson Foods Inc., the world's largest meat company, said Friday it would end beef slaughtering at its Emporia plant, cutting about 1,500 jobs, or more than half its work force at the facility. The cuts were a response to over capacity at slaughter houses and shifting of production to western Kansas from eastern, where the Emporia plant is located.

Honeywell earnings rise 17.8 percent

NEWARK, N.J. -- Diversified manufacturer Honeywell International Inc. reported a 17.8 percent rise in fourth-quarter profit while recording growth in all four of its business segments. The company said it earned $689 million, or 91 cents per share, for the three months that ended Dec. 31, up from $585 million, or 72 cents per share, a year earlier.

Harley-Davidson profit skids

MILWAUKEE -- Harley-Davidson Inc. says riders concerned about the economy are throttling big purchases, like the company's classic motorcycles, sending its profit down 26.3 percent in the fourth quarter. Sales in the U.S. were down 14.2 percent in the quarter, the company said Friday. Harley-Davidson motorcycles start at $6,695 and can often cost more than $20,000 fully loaded. Harley said its profit for the quarter ended Dec. 31 totaled $186.1 million, or 78 cents per share, compared with a profit of $252.4 million, or 97 cents per share, a year ago.