Concerns of agro-terrorism has given food awareness month a new meaning this year in light of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

“We’ve done a gazillion things with the security of food supply since Sept. 11,” said Sara Linsmeier-Wurfel, state Department of Agriculture spokeswoman.

This month marks the ninth annual Food Safety Awareness Month in Michigan, which offers events dealing with the safe handling of food, and precautions against food borne illnesses. In addition to combating terrorism via food, the theme of this year’s program is “Four Steps to Food Safety.”

The four steps include verifying that food is clean, separated, cooked and chilled - if necessary.

“These are pretty basic keys that people can follow no matter what their age or status,” she said.

MSU students need to be especially careful of contracting food borne illnesses. College environments tend to promote an increase in bacteria because edibles aren’t as carefully watched, she said.

“Things like washing hands often, and not leaving pizza out all night are good ways that college students can prevent trouble,” Linsmeier-Wurfel said.

Living in the dorms calls for extra precautions to keep food safe, some say.

“I wrap up food in tin foil to keep it fresh,” psychology freshman Sharriese Hamilton said.

Living in the dorms is not exactly paradise, but off-campus residents agree that it can be harder to keep up with food safety without residence hall cafeterias to fall back on.

“With the shift-changes and sanitary gloves, I sometimes feel like it might be better to eat in the cafeteria,” said history senior Rob Repson, who now lives off campus.