MISSISSIPPI STATE -- What can be done to prevent food-related terrorist attacks? Participants in the Mississippi Food Security Symposium on Sept. 25 hope to find those answers.

The symposium will take place from 8:45 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Mississippi Farm Bureau building on Ridgewood Road in Jackson.

Anna Hood, food technologist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service's Food and Fiber Center, said food processors, wholesalers, retailers, consumers, government officials and educators will benefit from the symposium. The Mississippi Food Safety Task Force is organizing and sponsoring the meeting.

"The symposium will provide a state perspective and timely information on issues related to food security," Hood said. "Local, state and federal officials play an important role in food security, and this symposium will offer guidance on many important issues."

Speakers will include representatives from the Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Mississippi State Department of Health, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, food industry representatives and others.

The registration fee of $12 will cover participants' lunches and must be received by Sept. 20. Checks or money orders should be made out to the Mississippi Food Safety Task Force. Send registration fees to Jim Bonney's attention at the Mississippi Restaurant Association, P.O. Box 16395, Jackson, MS 39236.