Katrina Woznicki

About the author: Katrina Woznicki is a science writer for United Press International, a worldwide news service.

The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks put every aspect of American life in jeopardy, including the safety of the nation's food supply. Within two weeks of the attacks, the Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and National Food Processors Association created a food security plan. They developed simple recommendations to help protect the nation's food supply. For example, they encourage food companies to light property to discourage break-ins, lock up food products, and limit access to food products to employees. Further, the CDC is ready to respond immediately to identify and isolate any outbreaks of food-borne illness should they occur.

Americans already...