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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 31, 2007

NATION

Lead In Halloween Teeth

The government announced an 11th-hour recall Wednesday to warn consumers that fake Halloween teeth sold by the tens of thousands since last year contain excessive amounts of lead. Paint on the teeth contained 100 times the allowable level of lead, according to a Monday report by CBS News.

The $2 packages of "Ugly Teeth" are the latest in a long line of Chinese-made toys and novelty items recalled because of lead. The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall on Halloween, in a late-morning news release.

The commission's acting chief defended the last-minute action. Nancy Nord said the possible danger was not brought to the agency's attention until late last week. She said the commission then worked quickly to assess the problem and issue a recall.

STATE

Foreclosure Rate Stays High

Florida's foreclosure rate in the third quarter was third highest in the nation, according to California-based RealtyTrac. There was one foreclosure filing for every 95 households in Florida. There were 86,465 foreclosure filings on 60,992 properties during the third quarter, up more than 50 percent from the previous quarter. That's double the number reported in the third quarter of 2006.

TAMPA BAY AREA

Beall's Outlet Upgrades

Bradenton-based Beall's Outlet unveils its in-store upgrade Friday at Bay area stores. The $3 million in local improvements is part of a new focus for the off-price retailer that's grown from three to 473 locations in 14 states, said President Conrad Szymanski.

Software Grant OK'd

Tampa Bay has won a multimillion-dollar grant of health care software for physicians' offices, an award that is intended to accelerate adoption of electronic health records in the region. Officials will provide details at a news conference today in Largo.

Workers Comp Lowered

Florida companies will get an average 18.4 percent reduction on workers' compensation insurance on Jan. 1, Commissioner Kevin McCarty announced Wednesday.

A staff and wire report

Watch the Tribune's Business report at 5, 6 and 11 a.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. Saturdays on WFLA-TV.

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