LA Times offices evacuated after powder sparks security alert

LOS ANGELES: The Los Angeles Times' offices were partially evacuated after an envelope containing a powder that turned out to be a food additive was sent to the newspaper, authorities said.   

Between 150 and 200 staff members at the daily were evacuated from a third-floor office late Tuesday after one of the newspaper's employees opened an envelope containing white powder, police and newspaper security staff said.   

A Los Angeles Police Department hazardous materials squad were called and determined the powder was a harmless food preservative or additive, officials added.   

The United States suffered its first bio-terrorism attack in October 2001, when envelopes containing deadly anthrax bacteria were mailed to various locations.   

Five people died and 17 were infected at the time. Police and federal investigators have failed to arrest anyone in connection with those attacks.