Agriculture and labor officials will talk about safety at the N.C. State Fair on the day the fair opens in Raleigh.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry are among those who will talk Thursday about safety at the State Fair. Also participating are Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison and representatives of Powers Great American Midways and the American Red Cross.

Last year, 25 visitors were sickened by e. coli bacteria. An investigation found the illnesses were associated with the building that housed some livestock.

To prevent a recurrence, state agriculture officials said earlier that people and livestock will be separated as much as possible. Food vendors have been relocated and hand-washing stations have nighttime lighting and more signs.

The fair opens Thursday and runs through Oct. 21.

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