Suspicious item, bomb threat at L.A. airport

'Suspicious item' turns out to be a food processor

LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- One terminal was evacuated after a "suspicious item" was detected by a screening device Thursday morning, as an incoming airplane and the luggage on it were being searched for a possible bomb in separate incidents at Los Angeles International Airport.

Terminal 3 was evacuated after the item was seen in a bag, an airport spokeswoman said, but it took Los Angeles Police bomb squad just 20 minutes to determine that the suspicious item was a food processor.

Passengers immediately returned to the terminal, where they were rescreened.

Meanwhile, a Varig Brasil flight from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil -- against which a bomb threat had been made -- landed at the airport. All passengers were taken off, and the baggage was taken to a remote area to be checked, the spokesman said.

Airport spokeswoman Nancy Castles said the terminal evacuation was the eighth in as many days for the Los Angeles facility.

"This has been a highly unusual week for us," Castles said. "We are trying to ensure the public safety for not only the traveling public but also for the employees and visitors of the airport. We are determined to have a zero tolerance ... for security issues."

CNN's Betty Anderson contributed to this report.