POSTED: 3:10 p.m. EDT, September 8, 2006

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The government said Friday it was fining the American Red Cross $4.2 million for violating blood-safety laws.

The violations include failing to ask appropriate questions of potential donors and not following test procedures, said the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA said it had no evidence of serious health consequences resulting from the violations.

The fine was the largest single penalty assessed so far under terms of a 2003 court settlement that allows the large fines when the Red Cross violates FDA rules. Previously, the FDA had fined the Red Cross a total of $5.7 million.

A message left for American Red Cross spokesman Ryland Dodge was not immediately returned.

The Red Cross provides nearly half the nation's blood supply, selling blood products to health facilities.

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Michelle Thomas, RNC