FDA - Red Cross creates blood risk

WASHINGTON -- The government asked a federal judge Thursday to hold the American Red Cross in contempt of court for repeated violations of blood safety regulations, including shipment of contaminated blood.

The Food and Drug Administration's unprecedented action charges the Red Cross with "a cavalier disregard" for blood quality standards. Despite the court fight, the FDA insisted any risk from blood transfusions today is low. The FDA motion cited "persistent and serious violations" dating back 16 years.