Also. . .

* United Technologies Corp.’s Pratt & Whitney unit said it pulled eight of its jet engines from commercial service and recalled thousands of spare parts after determining their fan blades may have suffered microscopic cracks while being cleaned. The company said none of the suspect parts caused safety problems. It did not say which airlines were involved, but the Wall Street Journal identified them as United Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

* Irradiation of food should become a national priority to reduce illness caused by dangerous microbes, and consumers must overcome unfounded fears that the process could harm them, Conagra Inc. Chief Executive Bruce Rohde and former Food and Drug Administration chief David Kessler said at a conference on the issue. “The investment in food safety is a priority for us,” said Rohde, whose company’s brands include Butterball turkeys and Armour meats. Last year’s FDA approval of the process for red meat has sparked new interest as the food industry tries to tackle problems with bacteria such as E. coli.

* KLM Royal Dutch Airlines ordered four more Boeing 737-800s worth about $200 million, the Seattle-based airplane maker said. KLM had already ordered four of the jets to expand its European network.