*MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY 

HEADQUARTERS, UNITED STATES ARMY MEDICAL COMMAND 

2050 Worth Road 

Fort Sam Houston, Texas 78234-6000 

MEDCOM Regulation 13 February 2006 

No. 40-28 

Medical Services 

U.S. ARMY VETERINARY COMMAND POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 

Supplementation of this regulation and establishment of command and local 

forms are prohibited without prior approval from HQ VETCOM, ATTN: MCVS. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

 PARAGRAPH PAGE

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION 

 HISTORY ....................................................................................... 1-1 5 

 PURPOSE...................................................................................... 1-2 5 

 REFERENCES............................................................................... 1-3 5 

 EXPLANATION OF ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMS .................... 1-4 5 

 APPLICABILITY ............................................................................. 1-5 5 

CHAPTER 2. MANAGEMENT CONTROL PROCESS 

 AND ORGANIZATIONAL INSPECTION PROGRAMS 

 PURPOSE....................................................................................... 2-1 6 

 POLICIES........................................................................................ 2-2 6 

 RESPONSIBILITIES ....................................................................... 2-3 6 

CHAPTER 3. INSTALLATION SUPPORT PLAN PROGRAM 

 PURPOSE...................................................................................... 3-1 8 

 POLICIES....................................................................................... 3-2 8 

 RESPONSIBILITIES ...................................................................... 3-3 11 

CHAPTER 4. SUBSISTENCE RECALLS 

 PURPOSE...................................................................................... 4-1 12 

 POLICIES....................................................................................... 4-2 12 

 RESPONSIBILITIES ...................................................................... 4-3 12 

____________________ 

*This regulation supersedes MEDCOM Regulation 40-28, 8 December 1997. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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 PARAGRAPH PAGE

CHAPTER 5. INSPECTION OF PERISHABLE FOODS 

 EXPOSED TO REFRIGERATION FAILURE 

 PURPOSE...................................................................................... 5-1 15 

 POLICIES....................................................................................... 5-2 15 

 RESPONSIBILITIES........................................................................5-3 15 

CHAPTER 6. OPERATIONAL RATION PROGRAMS 

 PURPOSE...................................................................................... 6-1 16 

 POLICIES....................................................................................... 6-2 16 

 RESPONSIBILITIES ...................................................................... 6-3 16 

CHAPTER 7. RECEIPT INSPECTIONS 

 PURPOSE...................................................................................... 7-1 17 

 POLICIES....................................................................................... 7-2 17 

 RESPONSIBILITIES ...................................................................... 7-3 17 

CHAPTER 8. OCONUS FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE 

 CONTAINER/AIRLIFT INSPECTIONS 

 PURPOSE...................................................................................... 8-1 19 

 POLICIES....................................................................................... 8-2 19 

 RESPONSIBILITIES ...................................................................... 8-3 19 

CHAPTER 9. INSTALLATION FOOD SAMPLING PROGRAMS 

 PURPOSE...................................................................................... 9-1 21 

 POLICIES....................................................................................... 9-2 21 

 RESPONSIBILITIES ...................................................................... 9-3 22 

CHAPTER 10. SALVAGE/DISTRESSED FOODS AT 

 GOVERNMENT RETAIL AND STORAGE FACILITIES 

 PURPOSE.................................................................................... 10-1 23 

 POLICIES..................................................................................... 10-2 23 

 RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................... 10-3 23 

CHAPTER 11. RAPID TESTING METHODS FOR 

 FOOD CONTACT SURFACES 

 PURPOSE..................................................................................... 11-1 24 

 POLICIES...................................................................................... 11-2 24 

 RESPONSIBILITIES ..................................................................... 11-3 24 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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CHAPTER 12. FOOD INSPECTION EQUIPMENT 

 PURPOSE.................................................................................... 12-1 26 

 POLICIES..................................................................................... 12-2 26 

 RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................... 12-3 26 

CHAPTER 13. MILITARY SANITARY INSPECTION PROGRAM 

 PURPOSE.................................................................................... 13-1 27 

 POLICIES..................................................................................... 13-2 27 

 RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................... 13-3 28 

CHAPTER 14. SECURITY PROGRAMS 

 PURPOSE.................................................................................... 14-1 29 

 POLICIES..................................................................................... 14-2 29 

 RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................... 14-3 30 

CHAPTER 15. PREDEPLOYMENT FOOD RISK 

 ASSESSMENTS IN THEATER OPERATIONS 

 PURPOSE.................................................................................... 15-1 31 

 POLICIES..................................................................................... 15-2 31 

 RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................... 15-3 31 

CHAPTER 16. LABORATORY SAMPLE SUBMISSION GUIDANCE 

 PURPOSE.................................................................................... 16-1 32 

 POLICIES..................................................................................... 16-2 32 

 RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................... 16-3 33 

CHAPTER 17. SUBJECT MATTER TRAINER PROGRAM 

 PURPOSE.................................................................................... 17-1 34 

 POLICIES..................................................................................... 17-2 34 

 RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................... 17-3 35 

CHAPTER 18. SHIPRIDER PROGRAM 

 PURPOSE.................................................................................... 18-1 36 

 POLICIES..................................................................................... 18-2 36 

 RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................... 18-3 36 

CHAPTER 19. AUDITOR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM 

 PURPOSE.................................................................................... 19-1 37 

 POLICIES..................................................................................... 19-2 37 

 RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................... 19-3 37 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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PARAGRAPH PAGE

CHAPTER 20. FOOD MANAGEMENT TEAMS 

 PURPOSE.................................................................................... 20-1 39 

 POLICIES..................................................................................... 20-2 39 

 RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................... 20-3 40 

CHAPTER 21. APPROVED SOURCE VERIFICATION 

 PURPOSE................................................................................... 21-1 42 

 POLICIES.................................................................................... 21-2 42 

 RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................... 21-3 43 

CHAPTER 22. TROOP FEEDING INSPECTION PROGRAMS 

 PURPOSE.....................................................................................22-1 44 

 POLICIES......................................................................................22-2 44 

 RESPONSIBILITIES......................................................................22-3 45 

CHAPTER 23. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR VETERINARY 

 SERVICES PERSONNEL 

 PURPOSE.................................................................................... 23-1 46 

 APPLICABILITY ........................................................................... 23-2 46 

 RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................... 23-3 46 

APPENDIX A (REFERENCES)............................................................. 47 

GLOSSARY .......................................................................................... 50 

DD/DA/MEDCOM FORMS.................................................................... 58 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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CHAPTER 1 

INTRODUCTION 

1-1. HISTORY. This issue publishes a revision of this publication. Because the 

publication has been extensively revised, the changed portions have not been 

highlighted. 

1-2. PURPOSE. This regulation provides specific details not contained in the 

referenced regulations and publications. This regulation establishes policies for 

operational, administrative, food safety, quality assurance, animal medicine, and 

veterinary public health areas. 

1-3. REFERENCES. References are listed in appendix A. 

1-4. EXPLANATION OF ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMS. Abbreviations and special 

terms used in the publication are explained in the glossary. 

1-5. APPLICABILITY. This regulation applies to Headquarters, U.S. Army Veterinary 

Command (HQ VETCOM) and its subordinate commands. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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CHAPTER 2 

MANAGEMENT CONTROL PROCESS AND ORGANIZATIONAL 

INSPECTION PROGRAMS 

2-1. PURPOSE. The Management Control Program (MCP) is set forth in Department 

of Defense (DOD) Directive 5010.38, DOD Instruction 5010.40, and AR 11-2. The 

Organization Inspection Program (OIP) is set forth in AR 1-201. The MCP reinforces 

the accountability of commanders and managers for establishing and maintaining 

effective management controls and provides them with greater flexibility in their 

evaluation of these controls. The OIP coordinates inspections and audits into a single, 

cohesive program focused on command objectives. 

2-2. POLICIES. All commanders and managers have an inherent responsibility to 

establish and maintain effective management controls, assess areas of risk, identify and 

correct weaknesses in those controls, and keep their superiors informed. In this respect 

the Integrity Act and Office of Management and Budgets (OMB) Circular A-123 codify 

this inherent responsibility. All inspections within VETCOM that are conducted as part 

of an MCP or OIP must adhere to all principles outlined in MEDCOM Pam 40-13. 

2-3. RESPONSIBILITIES. 

 a. The Commander, VETCOM, serves as the sole Assessable Unit Manager within 

VETCOM. The Chief of Staff, VETCOM, serves as the sole Management Control 

Administrator. Regional Veterinary Commanders; the Director, DOD Military Working 

Dog Veterinary Services; and the Director, Food Analysis and Diagnostic Laboratory, 

serve as Functional Unit Managers and each appoints a Functional Unit Administrator 

that assists with the administration of program requirements at their respective level(s). 

Appointment orders for all Functional Unit Administrators will be prepared and 

maintained on file at the Regional level. 

 b. Although all leaders within VETCOM are expected to be involved in the 

recognition of superior performance, as well as the identification and correction of 

deficiencies, only Functional Unit Managers are required to submit formal reports. 

Compliance by subordinate leaders consists of maintaining copies of all completed 

checklists at their respective headquarters. 

 c. All Functional Unit Managers will immediately communicate the identification of 

material weaknesses, as defined by AR 11-2, to the Assessable Unit Manager. To 

determine if a weakness can be categorized as material, the following factors should be 

considered: 

 (1) Are sensitive resources involved, that is, susceptible to high rates of theft, 

loss? 

 (2) Are significant funds, property, or other resources involved? 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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 (3) Is there a good possibility of adverse publicity? 

 (4) Does, or could, the weakness involve unreliable information that could cause 

unsound management decisions? 

 (5) Does, or could, the weakness diminish the credibility or reputation of 

management? 

 (6) Does, or could, the weakness impair fulfillment of an essential mission? 

 (7) Is the weakness a violation of statutory or regulatory requirement? 

 (8) Does the weakness impact information security? 

 (9) Does, or could, the weakness deprive the public of needed government 

services? 

 (10) Does the weakness appear to be a systematic problem impacting other 

Medical Subordinate Commands or U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM) 

organizations? 

 d. Functional Unit Managers will ensure that the cost of management controls does 

not exceed the derived benefits and that a high standard of performance is met within 

their area of responsibility. For example, implementing a program that requires all 

section thermometer calibrations to be recorded in a logbook is appropriate; however, 

having the logbook reviewed and initialed at all levels up to the RVC is not. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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CHAPTER 3 

INSTALLATION SUPPORT PLAN PROGRAM 

3-1. PURPOSE. 

a. This chapter establishes policies and responsibilities for implementation, 

administration, and oversight of the Installation Support Plan (ISP) Program. The ISP is 

designed to assist the Installation Veterinary Officer-In-Charge (OIC) in making riskbased assessments of veterinary public health requirements and to wisely match 

existing resources against the entire spectrum of food safety, food security, animal 

programs, and customer needs for a given installation. 

 b. The ISP serves as the cornerstone for the organizational mission. The three 

primary pillars of support consist of food safety and quality assurance, food security, 

and animal programs. 

3-2. POLICIES. 

 a. The ISP program applies to the following installations within VETCOM’s 

geographic area of responsibility: 

 (1) Active Army, Reserve, and National Guard. 

 (2) Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Navy (excludes docked ships). 

 (3) Air Force (animal-related issues only). 

 b. Food Safety and Quality Assurance sections of all ISPs will address the following 

functional areas, at a minimum: 

 (1) Facilities serving ready-to-eat food to active duty military and other 

authorized personnel (dining halls, child development centers, schools, clubs, 

commissaries, restaurants, food courts, and concessions to include state- and countyrun facilities on the military installation). 

 (2) Mobile facilities serving ready-to-eat food to active duty military personnel 

(field exercises, ROTC summer camp, field slaughter, community events). 

 (3) Facilities serving food to inactive or retired military personnel or family 

members (Veterans Administration hospitals, etc.). 

 (4) Mobile, very small, or intermittently used facilities serving food to nonactive 

duty personnel or dependents (community events, mobile canteens, National Guard 

dining halls). 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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 (5) Retail or wholesale food storage (Troop Issue Subsistence Activity (TISA), 

Defense Subsistence Officer (DSO)/ supply point, ration assembly, shoppette, and 

commissaries). 

 (6) Mobile facilities storing or selling wholesale food supplies (TISA, seasonal 

camps, field training exercises (FTXs)). 

 (7) Specialty services such as-- 

 (a) Hazardous food recalls (all food activities (ALFOODACTS), local, and 

vendor). 

 (b) Operational rations. 

 (c) Training and education of customer’s staff in approved sources, receipt 

and surveillance inspections, and salvage/markdown procedures; food security, safe 

food handling, and sanitation. 

 (d) Assistance with local/special purchase or use of food (local list, 

international military guest). 

 (8) After coordination with the Provost Marshal/Installation commander’s office, 

inspections of vehicles carrying food or water will be done at a minimum of once/week 

at the commercial vehicle entry control point. At higher Force Protection Condition 

(FPCON) levels, the inspection intensity will increase. This will be identified in the 

Installation Antiterrorism (AT) Program. 

 c. The Animal Program section of all ISPs will address the following functional 

areas, at a minimum: 

 (1) Routine/emergent medical care and housing facility/welfare inspections for-- 

 (a) Department of Defense-owned working animals such as Military Working 

Dogs (MWDs) and Military Working Horses (MWHs). 

 (b) DOD-owned nonworking animals (strays, mascots, nonappropriated fund 

(NAF) horses, DOD classroom animals). 

 (c) Federally-owned animals (Border Patrol, TSA, Customs). 

 (2) Installation public health and animal welfare. 

 (a) Rabies/Animal bite reports. 

 (b) Animal sterilization programs (spay/neuter, shelter medicine). 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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 (c) Human animal bond programs and animal assisted therapy programs. 

 (d) Care of injured wildlife. 

 (e) Animal welfare inspections (within military housing). 

 (f) Infectious/zoonotic disease surveillance. 

 (g) Issues not covered by Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee 

protocols such as in fairs or survival training. 

 (3) Privately-owned animal (POA) care. 

 (a) Medical care to prevent infectious/zoonotic disease. 

 (b) Veterinary preventive medicine regulation/protocols (vaccines, 

quarantines, registration/identification protocols). 

 (c) Installation activities involving POAs (riding clubs, pet fairs). 

 (d) NAF/Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) administration/finance. 

 (4) Veterinary medical care training program. 

 (a) MWD handler first aid training. 

 (b) Animal restraint training for the 91T and Military Police (MP) staff. 

 (c) Animal bite prevention training. 

 (d) Zoonotic disease training (classroom animals, hospital staff). 

 (e) Public education (newspaper articles). 

 d. The Installation AT Program will be integrated into the Installation Support Plan 

(ISP). Specific guidelines for the AT Program, to include details on properly conducting 

food vulnerability assessments, are given in the Security Programs chapter of this 

regulation. FPCON levels with Random Antiterrorism Measures at each FPCON level 

will be adopted to include commercial vehicle inspections. Vehicles transporting food or 

water will be inspected at the commercial vehicle entry control point on each installation. 

Food inspectors will perform random cursory inspections at these commercial vehicle 

entry control points. More information can be found in the Security Programs chapter of 

this regulation and MEDCOM Pam 40-13. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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3-3. RESPONSIBILITIES. 

 a. Regional Veterinary Commanders (RVCs), or their representatives, shall review 

and evaluate the effectiveness of the ISP programs within their areas of responsibility. 

Primary means of evaluation shall consist of a periodic review of the ISP databases and 

will be a topic of interest while inspecting units within their command. 

 b. District Veterinary Commanders (DVCs), or their representatives, shall review 

and approve all subordinate ISPs no less than annually and prior to their being 

presented to each respective installation official. The ISP will be evaluated through 

periodic ISP database reviews by the DVCs, or representative, and while conducting 

annual Branch OIP/MCP inspections. 

 c. Foundation documents that support the ISP are this regulation, policy 

memorandums from all levels of command, and local standing operating procedures 

(SOPs). The DVCs will ensure that ISP SOPs are in place at each subordinate branch 

and that they are reviewed annually for accuracy and relevance. The SOPs must 

contain the “how to” information that inspectors need in order to carry out their daily 

duties. All SOPs must match the ISP document and comply with MEDCOM Pam 40-13 

and with other regulatory or contractual documents. 

 d. Installation Veterinary OICs are responsible for providing appropriate levels of 

veterinary public health service to each installation within their assigned level of 

responsibility. The Installation Veterinary OIC, will communicate an overall risk 

assessment, mitigation plan, and progress report to installation commanders annually in 

the form of an ISP. 

 e. Warrant Officers at all levels will serve as consultants to the Installation 

Veterinary OIC by verifying assessments of needs and risks prior to the ISP being 

presented to all customers. 

 f. The Branch and Section NCOICs, or equivalent, are responsible for training, 

mission accomplishment, performance standards, timely reporting, review of reports, 

and other administrative matters through personal accomplishment and oversight of 

enlisted Soldiers. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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CHAPTER 4 

SUBSISTENCE RECALLS 

4-1. PURPOSE. This chapter provides policies and responsibilities for reporting and 

handling possible hazardous food and nonprescription drug items within the DOD 

system. The Consumer Safety Officer, Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), is 

designated as sole worldwide agent for DOD Hazardous Food and Nonprescription 

Drug Recall System (ALFOODACTS) and is responsible for coordinating all hazardous 

food and nonprescription drug recalls that may involve DOD stocks. This recall system 

involves all food and nonprescription drug items (including brand name or specification 

items) procured centrally or locally with appropriated or nonappropriated funds IAW 

AR 40-660. This policy applies to all food recalls, to include local and vendor recalls. 

4-2. POLICIES. 

 a. Veterinary service personnel will ensure that all recall messages are given top 

mission priority. That is, when a recall message is received, it will receive the full and 

immediate attention of inspection personnel. Physical/telephonic checks will be made in 

a rapid and precise manner as detailed by local Installation Support Plan, and results 

will be reported through the chain of command as soon as possible. The recall 

database should be checked frequently by the chain of command and messages sent 

forward for action upon receipt. 

 b. Veterinary personnel will expeditiously identify and segregate all suspected 

items. Recipients will comply with message instructions. DSCP, or the local 

commander when appropriate, will determine the extent of the problem before initiating 

recovery action and issuing disposition instructions. Request guidance from the chain 

of command if holding a recalled item creates a public health risk or sanitary hazard. 

 c. Inspection personnel and other recall message recipients should not contact 

commercial food establishments or suppliers regarding recall messages/actions directly 

under any circumstances unless recall message instructions direct such contact. 

 d. Inspection personnel and other recall message recipients shall not be involved in 

directly alerting the general public of recalls and/or actions. Unnecessary adverse 

publicity, which could damage a firm’s reputation or cause monetary loss without 

serving the direct purpose of protecting consumer health, is irresponsible and 

constitutes an unauthorized release of information. The means of public notification, 

such as signs, radio, press, etc., is left to the discretion of the local public affairs office. 

4-3. RESPONSIBILITIES. 

 a. RVCs will ensure that local SOPs are in place to address situations that involve 

subsistence suspected of deliberate tampering, that is, customer returns, suspicious 

deliveries, in-storage tampering, etc. Local veterinary service personnel must ensure 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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that management and staff of food activities are aware of proper procedures and of their 

responsibility to handle such situations. Facility managers are the primary individuals 

that handle such situations with the oversight and advice of veterinary service 

personnel. Laboratory sample submission SOPs for food samples that are submitted 

due to suspected tampering or criminal activity will be in accordance with Department of 

Defense Veterinary Service Activity (DODVSA) Policy Memorandum, Sample Collection 

Chain of Custody, dated 4 Jun 04. When notified of a local recall by the District level, 

the Regional Commander, Warrant Officer, or representative designated in writing shall 

enter the recall notification into the recall database. The RVC will then notify the Food 

Safety and Quality Assurance Division at VETCOM of the local recall and of recall 

results, that is, positive or negative. 

 b. DVCs must ensure that they, or their representatives, develop a reasonable 

amount of local state contacts or websites for the purpose of gathering information on 

vendor recalls and local health authority food, water, and nonprescription drug alerts. 

When new information about such items with potentially adverse health consequences 

arise, the DVC, or representative, will notify all accountable personnel and the RVC. 

The RVC will notify VETCOM. Such notification will only take place when occurrence 

can conceivably be the subject of an ALFOODACT or other recall message. Minimum 

information to be provided to DSCP will include: identity of suspect item, location, and 

perceived risk. Suspected items will be maintained in a hold status pending alert status 

determination or other action. If DSCP does not initiate an ALFOODACT message, the 

local veterinary commander may (for safety reasons) initiate local action, that is, 

medical hold, segregate suspect food from military supplies pending further 

investigation, return to vendor, or disposal. In such cases, laboratory or other evidence 

can be employed as a means to justify potential loss to the government or as basis to 

justify recommended control measures. DVCs will develop recall SOPs based on the 

guidance contained in this regulation, MEDCOM Pam 40-13, and AR 40-660. The 

SOPs will contain-- 

 (1) A systematic approach to ALFOODACT message instruction compliance and 

criteria for performance of physical checks and database monitoring on a frequent, daily 

basis. 

 (2) Report initiation of hazardous food or nonprescription drug items at the local 

level. 

 (3) A comprehensive and systematic method for documenting and tracking 

message verification points of contact and documenting all telephonic checks. 

Notification, verifications, and postings of results into the Lotus Notes (LN) database will 

take place no later than 72 hours after message receipt. SOPs will stress that suspect 

items should be expeditiously identified and segregated, and that recipients will comply 

with the message instructions. Suspected items are to be maintained in a hold status 

pending message resolution and action. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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 c. Branch OICs, NCOICs, and Warrant Officers will ensure that SOPs are in place 

that detail how section inspectors are to respond to recall messages, to include 

ALFOODACTS. Specific guidance will include: periodic review and revision of contact 

rosters; maintenance and review of section recall log books or database system--to 

include entry of recall results into the LN database; verification that periodic training 

classes on the recall system, recall procedures, and reporting suspected hazardous 

items/potential tampering are given to inspectors, accountable food personnel and staff; 

and verification that all section recalls are properly consolidated into a branch response 

that is entered properly into the recall database. Emphasis will be placed on the 

minimum information that is to be included when entering positive results into the 

database; positive results should be as descriptive as possible to include: quantity in 

stock, lot numbers found, status of stock, etc. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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CHAPTER 5 

INSPECTION OF PERISHABLE FOODS EXPOSED TO REFRIGERATION FAILURE 

5-1. PURPOSE. Veterinary assistance in reducing salvage condemnation losses 

related to refrigeration failures is a value-added service to all our customers. 

Refrigeration and freezing of perishable foods is a common preservation method. 

When military-owned perishable foods are compromised by failures of mechanical 

refrigeration systems or by improper storage methods, it is necessary for veterinary 

service personnel to inspect the affected food and evaluate if an unacceptable risk 

exists. 

5-2. POLICIES. Commanders at all levels will ensure that systems are in place that 

allow accountable officers and facility managers to rapidly notify food inspection 

personnel when refrigeration failures are detected. Compliance with all procedures and 

guidelines set forth in MEDCOM Pam 40-13 shall be enforced. 

5-3. RESPONSIBILITIES. Commanders at all levels will ensure that SOPs are in place 

in order to ensure that there is an effective alert notification method in place for 

inspectors to be notified of refrigeration failures the moment that the failure is detected. 

SOPs will be written in a manner that enables inspectors to complete a prompt, 

thorough and effective inspection of perishable foods exposed to refrigeration failures 

and to make sound, timely disposition recommendations. The leadership chain at the 

section level will become involved in assisting inspectors in making disposition 

recommendations as appropriate and in cases where food wholesomeness is in 

question. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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CHAPTER 6 

OPERATIONAL RATION PROGRAMS 

6-1. PURPOSE. This chapter establishes policies for the food safety and quality 

assurance of operational rations. Inspection of operational rations during all phases--at 

the assembly plants, upon receipt at installations, and during surveillance--is one of 

VETCOM’s top mission priorities. The performance of competent and timely operational 

ration inspections is crucial to the DOD’s, and to the Nation’s, go-to-war and emergency 

response capability. 

6-2. POLICIES. A high mission priority will be assigned to the inspection of operational 

rations. Inspections must be completed in accordance with MEDCOM Pam 40-13, and 

all policies referenced therein. Veterinary food inspection specialists, 91Rs and leaders 

at all levels must be trained and ready to perform operational ration inspections at all 

times. The training requirement applies to all commands, with or without operational 

ration oversight. The minimum frequency for training on operational ration inspection is 

annually for areas without operational ration oversight and quarterly for areas that have 

active oversight. Inspection of operational rations is the most basic and essential food 

inspection task. 

6-3. RESPONSIBILITIES. Commanders and inspectors at all levels will ensure that 

individual and group operational rations are inspected in accordance with MEDCOM 

Pam 40-13 and all applicable DSCP Handbook appendixes. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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CHAPTER 7 

RECEIPT INSPECTIONS 

7-1. PURPOSE. This chapter establishes policies for receipt inspections at resale and 

wholesale activities in the continental United States (CONUS) and outside the 

continental United States (OCONUS). This policy does not apply to Prime Vendor, 

fresh fruits and vegetables received OCONUS via container/airlift and inspection of 

operational rations. 

7-2. POLICIES. 

a. All receipt inspections will be conducted in accordance with local SOP and 

Installation Support Plan. Receipt inspections shall be performed at a frequency that 

helps ensure the subsistence received is wholesome, high quality food. Subsistence 

receipt inspection results will be entered into the Lotus Notes Installation Support Plan 

database within 24 hours of inspection performance. 

 b. Products found to be unwholesome, in violation of military, federal, state 

regulations, or found to originate from an unapproved source will be brought to the 

chain of command’s attention for immediate action. If appropriate, the chain of 

command shall notify the appropriate government agency of the findings. Inspectors 

will notify a Veterinary Corps Officer (VCO) of suspected unwholesome products for 

assistance and final disposition instructions. 

 c. Inspectors will report all nonconformances to the accountable officer. The 

accountable officer makes the final decision to accept, accept with price adjustment, or 

reject the delivery. The accountable officer’s rejection authority does not extend to 

making wholesomeness calls. The VCOs are the only individuals authorized to make 

final acceptance/rejection calls for issues involving wholesomeness. 

7-3. RESPONSIBILITIES. 

 a. RVCs, Warrant Officers, and Sergeants Major will ensure that they review and 

approve all Installation Support Plans to ensure that receipt inspection procedures are 

delineated and appropriate. The Lotus Notes Installation Support Plan database shall 

serve as a primary tool to ensure that inspections are performed and entered as 

directed. RVCs can effectively utilize their Subject Matter Trainers (SMTs) in order to 

monitor and provide feedback on inspection reports for different commodity group 

inspections. 

 b. DVCs, Warrant Officers, and First Sergeants (1SGs) (District NCOICs) will 

ensure that all Installation Support Plans and Branch SOPs contain specific guidance 

with respect to the performance of receipt inspections. Specific guidance should 

include a detailed inspection frequency, detailed inspection procedures, approved 

source verification requirements, nonconformance reporting, and inspection data packet 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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guidance. At least 25 percent of each branch’s food inspection reports (Customer Visit 

Reports and Subsistence Inspection Reports) entered into the Lotus Notes Installation 

Support Plan database shall be reviewed by the DVC Commander, Warrant Officer, or 

1SG (District NCOIC) on a monthly basis in order to ensure that inspections are being 

conducted at the correct frequency and that reports reflect inspector proficiency. 

 c. Branch leadership will ensure that all inspectors comply with the receipt 

inspection guidance that is set forth in this chapter, the local Installation Support Plan, 

and local SOPs. This shall be accomplished through regularly monitoring and providing 

feedback to all food inspection reports that are entered into the Lotus Notes Installation 

Support Plan database. The leadership shall regularly accompany and observe 

inspectors as receipt inspections are performed. This will allow for on-the-spot training 

and will enhance inspector proficiency. The leadership shall maintain a list of areas in 

which the inspectors exhibit a need for additional training, and shall ensure that their 

local training schedules include training in the identified areas. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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CHAPTER 8 

OCONUS FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE 

CONTAINER/AIRLIFT INSPECTIONS 

8-1. PURPOSE. This chapter establishes policies for the inspection of fresh fruits and 

vegetables (FF&V) purchased for and received overseas, at origin and destination. 

Data gathered from the performance of these inspections is made available to the 

Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), and the 

Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP). 

8-2. POLICIES. 

a. The Lotus Notes OCONUS FF&V Container/Airlift Inspection Report will be 

utilized in order to collect and record inspection results for all OCONUS Defense 

Subsistence Officer (DSO) FF&V contracts. The Lotus Notes data management system 

standardizes all inspection data for review by DeCA, DSCP, DLA, and DSOs. 

 b. The “Origin Inspection Support” and “Origin Inspection” portions of the report will 

be completed by the origin inspector no later than 24 hours after shipment. This will 

ensure that the report is available for the destination inspector. The destination 

inspector will complete the “Destination Inspection” portion of the report no later than 

24 hours after the inspection is performed. Reports shall be reviewed and approved 

within 48 hours. Failure to do so will preclude the data from reaching DSCP in a timely 

manner. This could hinder the contracting office’s decision-making process. 

 c. Notify the accountable officer when defects are found upon receipt. The 

accountable officer will decide whether or not to request credit based upon the 

inspector’s findings. The accountable officer’s request for credit shall be noted in the 

applicable portion of the inspection report. Credit amount granted by the DSO/PBO 

shall be entered into the database. 

 d. Inspections will be conducted in accordance with local SOP, Installation Support 

Plan, and as indicated in the purchasing instrument (contract). 

8-3. RESPONSIBILITIES. 

 a. RVCs and Warrant Officers that have sections within their areas of responsibility 

where FF&V is shipped to or received via OCONUS container or airlift will ensure that 

Installation Support Plans and SOPs are in place to ensure that inspections are 

performed in a timely, proficient manner. Emphasis will be placed on these types of 

inspections through a periodic review of the inspection program, issues, and inspection 

records. 

 b. DVCs and Warrant Officers will ensure that all Installation Support Plans and 

Branch SOPs contain specific guidance with respect to the performance of origin and 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

20

receipt inspections of fresh fruits and vegetables being shipped to and received through 

OCONUS container or airlift. Specific guidance should include detailed inspection 

procedures, approved source verification requirements for processed FF&V, 

nonconformance reporting, contractual inspection data packet guidance, and guidance 

on entering inspection results into the Lotus Notes OCONUS FF&V Inspection Support 

database. Inspection reports entered into the database shall be reviewed on a regular 

basis in order to monitor input, product problems, and shipping issues. FF&V Subject 

Matter Trainers can effectively serve in the capacity of database reviewer and should be 

relied upon for feedback with respect to inspection trends, deficiencies, and the 

identification of potential training weaknesses. 

 c. Branch leadership will ensure that all inspectors comply with the inspection 

guidance that is set forth in the Installation Support Plan and local SOPs. This shall be 

accomplished through the regular monitoring of the origin and destination inspection 

reports that are entered into the Lotus Notes OCONUS FF&V Inspection Support 

database. The leadership at the receiving OCONUS destination shall regularly 

accompany and observe inspectors as they perform receipt inspections. This will allow 

for on-the-spot training and will enhance inspector proficiency. The leadership shall 

maintain a list of areas in which the inspectors exhibit a need for additional training, and 

shall ensure that their local training schedules include training in the identified areas. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

21

CHAPTER 9 

INSTALLATION FOOD SAMPLING PROGRAMS 

9-1. PURPOSE. This chapter establishes policies for food sample management. 

Auditable food sample records must be maintained for samples taken in conjunction 

with commercial sanitation audits, destination monitoring programs, and public health or 

quality assurance reasons. This program prevents unwarranted suspicion of 

impropriety. 

9-2. POLICIES. 

a. Food sampling programs shall comply with the guidelines and procedures 

established in MEDCOM Pam 40-13. 

b. Food samples, whether drawn for laboratory submission or local inspection shall 

be recorded on DA Form 7539 (Request for Veterinary Laboratory Testing and Food 

Sample Record). This applies to all samples drawn throughout VETCOM with the 

exception of those samples that are captured on a DD Form 1714 (Product Verification 

Record) at the Meals-Ready-to-Eat (MRE) plants by in-plant inspectors. 

 c. Inspectors will complete sampling and inspection of food products consistent with 

contractual requirements, military regulations, installation support plans, and other 

pertinent directives. Inspectors may perform such sampling during receipt, surveillance, 

warranty, investigation of customer complaints, or when specifically directed by 

appropriate authority. Auditors will obtain laboratory samples during sanitation audits 

when required in accordance with VETCOM Cir 40-1 and AR 40-657. 

 d. All samples will be documented. Food sample management SOPs will prescribe 

specific methods for documenting all samples to include small quantities, that is, one 

potato, four eggs, etc. Samples that are selected within a facility and not destroyed or 

removed from the premises, but returned to stock are not required to be recorded on a 

sample management record. Records are only required for items removed from the 

inspection premises for further examination or for testing/destruction during inspection. 

Return of unused portions to the accountable officer will be coordinated with facility 

managers. In retail facilities, for example, it may not be advisable to return unused 

portions to the sales floor when the product can no longer be offered for sale as 

intended, that is, in a primary package. 

 e. Withdrawal of samples for laboratory submission will comply with the 

requirements set forth in the DOD Veterinary Lab Sample Submission guide and with 

MEDCOM Pam 40-13. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

22

9-3. RESPONSIBILITIES. DVCs are responsible for management and accountability 

of the food sample management program. A food sample management SOP will be 

established and maintained for food sample accountability. The DVC, or representative, 

will conduct a comprehensive review of current food sample handling procedures 

semiannually. The review will include: review of sample types and quantities; review of 

all sample records; objective evidence that a traceable method of controlling samples by 

assigned numbers is in place; and review of unit SOPs. DVCs will ensure that sample 

control logs are identifiable for each subordinate branch and section. All SOPs will 

detail control number procedures. Proof of review will be generated upon completion of 

the review and maintained on file. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

23

CHAPTER 10 

SALVAGE/DISTRESSED FOODS AT GOVERNMENT RETAIL AND STORAGE 

FACILITIES 

10-1. PURPOSE. This chapter establishes policies for the salvage of physically 

damaged, over-aged, or otherwise distressed military-owned semi-perishable 

subsistence. 

10-2. POLICIES. Inspection personnel will evaluate physically damaged, over-aged, or 

otherwise distressed military-owned semi-perishable subsistence to ensure that the 

product is wholesome before the food is offered for sale. Commanders shall enforce 

this policy and ensure inspection personnel comply with established guidelines 

delineated in MEDCOM Pam 40-13. 

10-3. RESPONSIBILITIES. 

 a. Leadership at all levels will ensure that the branches/sections within their 

respective area of responsibility comply with the procedures and guidelines established 

in MEDCOM Pam 40-13. Salvage operations and procedures will be a point of 

emphasis during site visits at all levels. 

b. Branch leaders will write and implement SOPs that delineate how the salvage 

mission is specifically conducted at each facility within the branch. Each facility will 

have a method in place in which objective evidence is present on each inspected item in 

order to indicate that each item on the shelf was individually inspected, for example, 

stamps or stickers on each product. All salvage SOPs will be reviewed and approved 

by the District Veterinary Command. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

24

CHAPTER 11 

RAPID TESTING METHODS FOR FOOD CONTACT SURFACES 

11-1. PURPOSE. This chapter covers policy and responsibilities regarding rapid food 

contact surface testing methods and assists in ensuring that personnel have the 

knowledge, skills, and ability to select and properly utilize rapid diagnostic equipment 

and supplies in conjunction with determining sanitary compliance of military and 

commercial establishments. 

11-2. POLICIES. 

 a. A thorough explanation of rapid method diagnostic testing equipment will be 

presented to plant or facility managers prior to applying the test in their facility. The 

presentation will include an overview of the testing equipment, an explanation of how 

results are interpreted, and how the results will be utilized. 

 b. Surface testing results will not serve as the sole basis for failing a military or 

commercial establishment. Branch SOPs will address appropriate actions to take when 

abnormal readings are detected. Prior to assessing a critical defect during a 

commercial sanitary audit or military inspection-- 

 (1) The inspector will inform the District Commander. The DVC will then discuss 

recommendations with the Food and Drug Laboratory (FADL) or available local 

Veterinary Laboratory representative. 

 (2) The DVC will then inform the RVC Commander of the situation and the 

laboratory recommendation. A decision will then be made by the RVC Commander, or 

representative, on the assessment of the findings. 

 c. All Commanders and personnel will comply with the procedures and guidelines 

established in MEDCOM Pam 40-13. 

11-3. RESPONSIBILITIES. 

 a. The RVC is responsible for ensuring that all subordinate units are in compliance 

with this program. The RVC, or representative, in consultation with the FADL or local 

Veterinary Laboratory Commander is the best microbiological authority available to 

auditors and inspectors and will function in this capacity. The RVC is primarily 

responsible for making and requesting recommendations with respect to making 

assessment decisions based upon findings. 

 b. The Regional Veterinary Service Technician is responsible for evaluating 

commercially available rapid testing methods and will determine how the testing 

methods are utilized by the units throughout the Region. The technician will consult 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

25

with the nearest FADL or Veterinary Laboratory Commander when doubts arise on the 

interpretation of rapid method results, methods, and techniques. 

 c. The District Veterinary Commander is responsible for the procurement of 

appropriate equipment and supplies to be used in determining sanitary compliance of 

military and commercial establishments. The DVC is also responsible for properly 

training the district/branch leadership on usage of the rapid diagnostic equipment. 

 d. The DVC Veterinary Service Technician will personally review and supervise the 

fielding and use of all rapid method diagnostic equipment and supplies for the District 

and Branches. The DVC Technician is responsible for the review of all surface testing 

method SOPs that are developed at the Branch level and will review inspection reports 

in which rapid diagnostics were applied in order to ensure compliance and sound test 

interpretation and reporting techniques. 

 e. Branch OICs and NCOICs are responsible for developing Branch SOPs and 

conducting hands-on training before using any rapid method diagnostic equipment 

during inspections. Branch leadership will ensure that Veterinary Food Inspection 

Specialists and civilian inspectors are correctly performing and applying testing methods 

and that all results are reported to the chain of command, accountable officers, and the 

operators in the supported facilities. Training and SOPs will emphasize the importance 

of verifying that proper sanitation techniques and procedures are in place and effectively 

practiced by the cleaning staff, for example sanitizer measurements, cleaning 

techniques, etc. Placing a high emphasis on verification of proper cleaning and 

sanitizing techniques prior to testing prevents the inspector from wasting time and 

resources in conjunction with the testing of food contact surfaces. 

f. When rapid method tests are conducted during formal and informal visits, they will 

be recorded as follows: 

 (1) Informal sanitary walk-thru inspection results will be entered in the “Areas 

Evaluated During Visit” section of the Customer Visit Report in the ISP database. 

 (2) Formal military retail facility inspection results, that is, DeCA, Army and Air 

Force Exchange Services (AAFES), etc., will be entered manually in the “Summary of 

Violations” portion of the Retail Food Establishment Inspection Report under a heading 

of REMARKS. 

 (3) Commercial audit results will be entered in the remarks section, Block 14, of 

the sanitary audit report in the Audit Management Database. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

26

CHAPTER 12 

FOOD INSPECTION EQUIPMENT 

12-1. PURPOSE. The nature of the inspections performed at each installation may 

differ and are based upon a wide variety of mission requirements. Specific equipment 

that is required at one installation may not be required at another. It is imperative that 

leaders analyze the mission requirements at each installation and, based upon the 

findings, formulate a list of required inspection and administrative equipment for each 

inspection site and installation. The equipment listed in MEDCOM Pam 40-13 consists 

of the recommended minimum necessary to perform an assortment of inspections. The 

list shall not be considered to be all-inclusive. 

12-2. POLICIES. Leaders at all levels will actively initiate action to budget and 

requisition the equipment required to support the food inspection mission. Where 

practical, and in the interest of economy, inspection equipment may be used 

interchangeably with other inspection points on the same installation. 

12-3. RESPONSIBILITIES. 

 a. RVCs and Warrant Officers will ensure that adequate funds are allocated in order 

to furnish the proper food inspection equipment to all levels within their area of 

responsibility. 

 b. DVCs and Warrant Officers will ensure that all food inspection equipment 

available at each level of their District adequately meets the needs of the mission. 

Equipment maintenance, accountability, and availability will be assessed during visits to 

food inspection sites and will be a regular point of emphasis. Leaders at the District 

level must be instrumental in assessing equipment needs and prioritizing needs in order 

to ensure that the equipment required in order to perform the mission is available. 

 c. Branch leadership will ensure that each inspection site within his/her area of 

responsibility has access to the equipment required in order to perform the mission. 

The branch leadership is key to gathering lists of required equipment, ensuring that 

accountability of equipment is maintained, and ensuring that all equipment is utilized 

properly. Equipment needs will be assessed on a regular basis. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

27

CHAPTER 13 

MILITARY SANITARY INSPECTION PROGRAM 

13-1. PURPOSE. This chapter provides policies for the performance of sanitary 

inspections for military establishments. Military food facility establishments include retail 

food sales stores, such as commissaries and exchange service shoppettes, and food 

storage facilities such as Troop Issue Subsistence Activities (TISAs). 

13-2. POLICIES. 

a. Commanders at all levels will ensure that personnel comply with and apply the 

procedures and guidelines established in MEDCOM Pam 40-13 when performing 

military sanitary inspections. 

 b. Conduct sanitary inspections of military facilities in accordance with the 

guidelines established in AR 40-657, Chapter 3-7. Inspection frequencies will be as 

follows: 

 (1) DeCA establishments will be inspected once a month. Inspection frequency 

cannot be reduced. The VCO will perform at least one inspection of each DeCA 

establishment facility in assigned area of responsibility per quarter. 

 (2) Inspect troop issue facilities that store operational rations quarterly. 

Frequency may be reduced to semiannual if there are no critical or major deficiencies 

noted. The VCO will perform at least one inspection of each troop issue facility in the 

assigned area of responsibility per year. 

 (3) Inspect all other retail facilities quarterly. Frequencies may be reduced to 

semiannual, if approved by the DVC, for facilities that have no critical violations after 

four consecutive inspections. Any subsequent critical violations would return the 

inspection frequency back to quarterly. 

c. Military retail facilities will be rated as SATISFACTORY or UNSATISFACTORY. 

An UNSATISFACTORY rating is given if more than three CRITICAL items are found or 

an imminent health hazard (IHH) is noted. Imminent health hazard is defined in the 

Food Code. Use MEDCOM Form 640-R (Retail Food Establishment Inspection 

Report), for recording and reporting inspection results. A copy of this form is located in 

the back of this regulation. Follow-up inspections, when required, must be conducted 

within 5 workings days. Inspectors will leave a draft copy or completed copy of the final 

inspection report with the establishment manager at the conclusion of the inspection. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

28

13-3. RESPONSIBILITIES. 

 a. RVCs will ensure that SOPs are in place that provide guidance on conducting 

sanitary inspections of military facilities, to include the establishment of qualified 

inspector criteria. RVCs will ensure that they or their representative review the LN 

Military Sanitary Inspection database regularly to ensure that inspections are completed 

in a timely, efficient manner. 

 b. DVCs will ensure that all sections focus on conducting timely, efficient, valueadded sanitary inspections of military establishments. DVCs, or their representatives, 

will ensure that the LN Military Sanitary Inspection database is utilized as the primary 

means of entering military sanitary inspection results. Inspection frequency reduction is 

granted by the DVC. 

 c. Branch leadership will ensure that military sanitary inspections are conducted at 

frequencies established in local SOPs. Branch level Warrant Officers and VCOs will 

ensure that the inspectors that conduct military sanitary inspections are properly trained 

and well-versed in source inspection documents and procedures. Inspection frequency 

for physical and documented walk-through inspections at the section level, to include 

walk-through inspections for attending sites, will be established by the Branch 

leadership and approved by the DVC or representative. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

29

CHAPTER 14 

SECURITY PROGRAMS 

14-1. PURPOSE. This chapter establishes policies to help counter the terrorist threat. 

Terrorism is not a recent phenomenon in the United States or overseas. Because 

terrorists cannot challenge the United States in conventional warfare, they prefer to 

attack targets that they perceive as weak or soft. The nature and the type of threats to 

the Army vary widely with geographic location, criticality of the assets, and vulnerability 

of the target and level of hostile intent. Veterinary Command’s role is to help mitigate 

future terrorist’s attacks by providing veterinary care to the military working dog 

programs and focusing our resources on food safety and security. 

Food safety and security are a paramount concern in today’s environment. In standard 

food jargon, “food safety” usually refers to the prevention of unintentional contamination 

and “food security” (and/or food defense) usually refers to the prevention of the 

intentional contamination of food. 

14-2. POLICIES.

 a. Regional Veterinary Commanders (RVC) will appoint an Antiterrorism (AT) 

Officer at the Region. In addition, RVCs will develop and publish policy letters which 

detail protective and preventive measures appropriate at each Force Protection 

Conditions level (Normal-Delta) that apply on Army installations. Guidance for this 

document can be found in DOD Directive 2000.12, DOD O-2000.12H, DOD 2000.16 

Instruction Manual, AR 525-13, and MEDCOM Pam 40-13. 

Antiterrorism measures apply to all DOD installations. Specific Veterinary AT measures 

supporting Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Installations (MWD support) need to be 

coordinated with the respective Installation Commanders. 

 

 b. Regional Veterinary Commanders will appoint an Operational Security (OPSEC) 

Officer at the Region. Operational Security measures are planned and taken within the 

command to preserve essential secrecy. Regional Commanders will integrate OPSEC 

into all activities to provide maximum protection of all functions and activities. Each 

region will develop and implement an OPSEC Standing Operating Procedure. 

Operational Security review within the command is mandatory IAW AR 530-1. Reviews 

are conducted on: plans, orders, messages, letters, briefings, contracts, and web 

pages. The intent of the review is to prevent inadvertent release of sensitive 

information. A review will be conducted annually on all items listed above by the 

OPSEC officer. 

 c. Regional Veterinary Commanders will ensure that all personnel comply with the 

responsibilities established in this chapter and the guidelines established in MEDCOM 

Pam 40-13. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

30

14-3. RESPONSIBILITIES. 

 a. Regional Veterinary Commanders, in coordination with their appointed 

Antiterrorism Officer, will develop and publish policy letters that formalize the Force 

Protection Condition Systems (FPCON) measures to be taken at each subordinate level 

within their assigned region. The published guidance will detail execution of AT 

standards within the overarching Force Protection Mission. The guidance will ensure 

that all subordinate units, which are tenants of Army installations, comply with the host 

installation AT requirements, participate in the host installation AT planning process, 

and provide personnel support for the implementation of the installation FPCON levels 

specified in the installation AT plans. 

 b. District Veterinary Commanders (DVCs) will ensure that all subordinate units 

implement published RVC guidance and are active participants in each host 

installation’s AT planning process. The DVC will provide guidance and assistance to 

the subordinate unit as required and will review and approve the veterinary service 

support annex of each supported installation’s AT plan. 

 c. Each Installation Veterinary OIC and NCOIC will coordinate with the Installation 

Operation Center, or equivalent, to discuss the veterinary service’s role in the 

installation AT plan. An annex to the plan will be developed and instituted. Vulnerability 

assessments will be performed only by individuals that possess, at a minimum, a 

current or approved interim Secret clearance. Food and Water vulnerability 

assessments will be conducted in accordance with TG 188 and will be done through 

coordination with the installation Preventive Medicine OIC in order to eliminate potential 

duplications of effort. During the planning process, personnel support requirements will 

be identified as being required for the implementation of the host installation FPCON 

levels. Each branch and section will comply with and support the host installation’s AT 

plans. The leadership will ensure that AT training is identified as a unit combat service 

support task and is an integral part of unit training plans. AT training will be embedded 

throughout unit training plans and will be performance oriented and measurable. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

31

CHAPTER 15 

PREDEPLOYMENT FOOD RISK ASSESSMENTS IN THEATER OPERATIONS 

15-1. PURPOSE. This chapter standardizes the risk assessment process in an 

OCONUS theater of operation. Risk assessment procedures do not eliminate the 

requirement for audits of approved sources. 

15-2. POLICIES. Food safety is critical to force protection. Food safety standards 

must remain reasonably constant regardless of geographic location. The threat of foodborne illnesses and disease nonbattle injuries (DNBI) are generally more prevalent 

overseas and during deployment. Timely and accurate involvement in the planning 

phases is crucial in order to allow Combatant Commanders to have access to food 

safety information that will help minimize exposing Soldiers to unnecessary risks to 

illness or injury that jeopardize force strength and morale. Commanders will ensure that 

MEDCOM Pam 40-13 is applied when food risk assessments are performed. 

15-3. RESPONSIBILITIES. Veterinary commanders, or their designated 

representatives, shall establish active communication with the installation operations 

and exercise planners during mission planning phases. Mission planning notification 

measures will be put into place in order to ensure the planning and timely application of 

food safety measures. The commander will attend, or ensure that a representative 

attends, all planning meetings that involve food safety or that there are agreed upon 

reporting methods in place that allow Combatant Commanders to have immediate 

access to timely, actionable food safety information for operational decision-making. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

32

CHAPTER 16 

LABORATORY SAMPLE SUBMISSION GUIDANCE 

16-1. PURPOSE. This chapter provides policy and responsibilities that supplement the 

Department of Defense Veterinary Food Analysis and Diagnostic Laboratory Sample 

Submission Guide. 

16-2. POLICIES. 

 a. The DA Form 7539 will be utilized when submitting samples to the laboratory. 

The DA Form 7539 supersedes MEDCOM Form 676-R, which will no longer be used. 

Instructions for completing the form in the AMEDD Electronic Forms Support System 

and/or the DA Form 7539 in the Lotus Notes Lab Sample Submission and Sample 

Management database are found in the MEDCOM Pam 40-13. 

 b. The Lotus Notes Lab Sample Submission database is the primary means for 

completing the new DA Form 7539 for lab samples. This database enables the lab to 

better prepare for arriving samples and is an additional step to the current practices 

(that is, sending a hard copy of the DA Form 7539 with the shipped samples). The 

database should not be considered a means to eliminate any current practices for 

shipping samples to the lab. 

 c. The lab will use the database as a means of reporting the final results back to the 

sender of the lab sample. Lab results will be attached onto the completed DA Form 

7539 within the database. Individual results will not be sent to the sender via e-mail 

except when results are not conforming and result in a flagging action. 

 d. If access to Lotus Notes is not available, the new DA Form 7539 is available on 

the Army Knowledge Online (AKO) account (reference/DA Pubs/Army forms). A copy 

of the DA Form will be included in the laboratory sample container sent to the lab. The 

shipment should be entered into the database as soon as the inspector has access to 

Lotus Notes. 

 e. Food samples that are collected for testing at the laboratory due to the following 

reasons will comply with DODVSA Policy Memorandum – Sample Collection Chain of 

Custody: 

 (1) Suspected intentional contamination. 

 (2) Part of a criminal investigation. 

 (3) Associated with an initial or directed routine audit. 

 (4) Unopened containers associated with a foodborne illness investigation or 

foreign material determination. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

33

 (5) Samples analyzed in accordance with a contract that specifies testing 

completion. 

16-3. RESPONSIBILITIES. 

 a. DVCs, Warrant Officers, and 1SGs will ensure that laboratory sample submission 

training is conducted on a regular basis in order to ensure that inspectors are proficient 

in submitting laboratory samples. Leaders at the district level will ensure that they 

manage and direct the specific types of samples that are submitted in conjunction with 

the Laboratory Destination Monitoring Program. It is recommended that items logged 

into the ISP database under the returned product inspection area be considered for 

submission in conjunction with the program, especially for brands that are consistently 

returned due to valid complaints. 

 b. Branch leadership will actively oversee the laboratory sample submission 

program and ensure that all inspectors are proficient in all tasks that are associated with 

submitting samples to the lab, this includes correct completion of the laboratory sample 

submission form, aseptic sampling when required, and proper packing/shipping of all 

samples. 

 c. All Operational Ration Assembly Plant NCOICs will ensure that all end-item 

nonretort food components used to assemble MREs and humanitarian daily rations 

(HDR) are sampled and submitted to the DOD Food Analysis and Diagnostic 

Laboratory, Fort Sam Houston, TX for biological analysis in accordance with locally 

established procedures. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

34

CHAPTER 17 

SUBJECT MATTER TRAINER PROGRAM 

17-1. PURPOSE. This chapter establishes policies for the Operational rations, Fresh 

Fruit and Vegetable, and Red Meats Subject Matter Trainer (SMT) Program. 

17-2. POLICIES. 

a. Enlisted Soldiers in the grade of Specialist (Promotable) (SPC(P)) and above, 

Warrant Officers, and VCOs are eligible for SMT training. Exceptions to policy will be 

submitted to and approved by the VETCOM SGM. Nominees should have ample time 

to train others within the unit and to review applicable inspection databases. Soldiers 

that have too many other additional duties or duties that would prevent them from 

conducting frequent training should not be nominated. 

b. The SMT training program consists of two phases. Phase 1 consists of a 

resident course at the U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School 

(AMEDDC&S). The AMEDDC&S will make necessary adjustments of course content. 

Prerequisite for Phase 1 completion consists of test scores of 90 percent or higher. 

Records of course completion will be maintained in the SMT Lotus Notes database. 

Completion of the second phase, Phase 2, consists of each new SMT teaching a 

minimum of three classes in their respective subject matter area within 90 days of 

graduation from the Phase 1 course. Phase 2 training will be observed by either an 

SMT that is already certified in the specific subject or by the District or Branch Warrant 

Officer. Phase 2 courses to be taught will be as follows: 

 (1) Operational Rations SMT: 

 (a) MRE Inspections, Receipt & Reporting Procedures. 

 (b) MRE Inspections, Special & Reporting Procedures. 

 (c) UGR-A/UGR H&S, Receipt Inspections & Reporting Procedures. 

 (2) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable SMT: 

 (a) Inspection Reference Gathering & Reference Interpretation. 

 (b) Receipt Inspection & Reporting Procedures. 

 (c) Surveillance Inspection & Reporting Procedures. 

 (3) Red Meats SMT: 

 (a) Receipt of Fresh Beef, PV/DeCA & Reporting Procedures. 

 (b) Receipt of Fresh Pork, PV/DeCA & Reporting Procedures. 

 (c) Inspection Reference Gathering & Reference Interpretation. 

 c. Once the SMT has taught the three applicable courses as indicated above, 

notification will be sent by the Branch through the DVC to the RVC. The notification 

packets will consist of: training outline for each class, training sign-in roster for each 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

35

class, and a memorandum requesting that the SMT certificate be issued. The 

responsible RVC will notify the SMT Program Manager at VETCOM via e-mail or 

memorandum of Phase 2 completion. The SMT Database Manager will update the 

database to reflect completion of the second phase and will issue a certificate to the 

Soldier through the chain of command. 

 d. Final certificates will be valid for up to 3 years after being issued. Recertification 

is obtained every 3 years from VETCOM, through the RVC. Recertification will be 

based upon level of activity in the SMT area of responsibility and on additional training 

received by the SMT in accordance with MEDCOM Pam 40-13. 

17-3. RESPONSIBILITIES. 

 a. Headquarters, VETCOM, will notify all Regional Veterinary Command leaders of 

available SMT class dates and will solicit a list of candidates for each course through a 

Memorandum of Instruction. Lotus Notes SMT database updates will be made at this 

level, and certificates will be issued to the Regions once each candidate completes 

SMT certification in accordance with this chapter. 

 b. RVCs, Warrant Officers, and Sergeants Major will ensure that they review and 

approve all SMT candidates prior to their being nominated for course attendance. 

Regional leadership will oversee the program in order to ensure that SMTs remain 

active in the program and complete Phase 2 of the certification within 90 days of 

resident course graduation. Status of phase completion for each candidate will be 

reported to the VETCOM Commander during each Quarterly Training Brief. RVCs have 

the option to drop SMTs from the database for failure to perform or for other 

extenuating/mitigating circumstance. 

 c. DVCs are responsible for program development and SMT integration/inspection 

standardization. DVCs, Warrant Officers, and NCOICs/1SGs will ensure that all SMT 

candidate recommendations are screened prior to being sent forward to the Regional 

level for nomination. DVCs will utilize SMTs sufficiently to successfully complete their 

mission. DVCs will ensure that all SMT candidates are counseled in writing by the 

Branch NCOIC upon being selected to attend an SMT course. The counseling will 

consist of an overview of the program and SMT responsibilities, to include the 

requirement to complete Phase 2 of the certification within 90 days of graduation from 

the resident course. 

 d. Branches will actively incorporate SMTs into their mission. SMTs will be utilized 

to ensure that inspectors are properly trained to inspect commodities in a manner that 

support success of the mission. This includes program development both at the DVC 

and Branch level, inspection standardization, records review, and training calendar 

development. The SMT should also be able to brief the command on their respective 

program, its status, and able to assist in other areas the Commander directs. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

36

CHAPTER 18 

SHIPRIDER PROGRAM 

18-1. PURPOSE. This chapter establishes policies that assist Veterinary Service 

Commands in the establishment and management of the U.S. Navy Shiprider Program. 

18-2. POLICIES. The DVCs that have Soldiers participating in the Navy shiprider 

program will develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which outlines the 

service and support provided by each command (Army and Navy). These MOUs will 

need to be current and updated as commands change. The DVC will develop SOPs 

that detail specific shiprider duties and responsibilities as delineated in the guidelines 

contained in MEDCOM Pam 40-13. 

18-3. RESPONSIBILITIES. 

 a. The DVC or representative will be responsible for developing the MOU that 

outlines the services and support that each command of the Army and Navy provide to 

the program. The DVC will develop SOPs that detail specific shiprider duties and 

responsibilities as delineated in MEDCOM Pam 40-13. 

 b. All Army Food Inspectors participating in the Shiprider Program will supply the 

DVC Commander with a detailed After Action Review (Field Manual 7-1, Battle Focused 

Training, Appendix C) upon completion of the Shiprider Program. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

37

CHAPTER 19 

AUDITOR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM 

19-1. PURPOSE. This chapter establishes policies for the commercial sanitation 

auditor certification program. This program supplements the sanitation auditor 

credentialing program for reserve officers. This program helps to ensure that Veterinary 

Service personnel have the knowledge and ability to conduct commercial sanitation 

audits. This program is intended for use in CONUS and OCONUS with 

supplementation by the OCONUS commanders as required. Supplementation will be 

submitted to HQ VETCOM for approval prior to implementation. 

19-2. POLICIES. The DVCs will ensure that sanitary auditors assigned to their 

command are properly trained and certified before performing sanitary audits of 

commercial facilities. The DVC will maintain an Auditor Development Training Record 

for each officer, and will input certification data into the Auditor Certification database. 

The DVC will follow the guidelines established in MEDCOM Pam 40-13. 

19-3. RESPONSIBILITIES. 

 a. The MACOM Veterinarian is responsible for ensuring all units in the Area of 

Responsibility (AOR) are in compliance with this program. 

 b. The VETCOM Commander delegates the responsibilities as delineated in the 

paragraphs that follow. 

 c. The Regional Warrant Officer, or equivalent officer, is the senior trainer 

responsible for evaluating the primary trainers. Regional Warrant Officers will not serve 

in the capacity of primary trainer. 

 d. The District Commander, or equivalent officer, is responsible for the training of 

auditors assigned to the District. The District Commander is the certification official and 

is responsible for tracking auditor development and will provide resources to the primary 

trainer for auditor certification. 

 e. The District Warrant Officer, or equivalent, is normally the primary trainer for 

auditors, provided that the officer has been fully certified or credentialed by the RVC 

Warrant Officer. In the absence of a certified Warrant Officer, regardless of grade or 

military status, the District Commander will assign a fully certified auditor to serve as 

primary trainer. This auditor will be fully certified by the RVC Warrant Officer before 

assuming any primary training responsibilities. The primary trainer is responsible for 

managing the training program and for implementing training. 

 f. Within 45-60 days of assignment, WO1s assigned to a DVC or equivalent 

position, or assigned as branch warrant officers with auditor training responsibilities, will 

be fully certified by the RVC Warrant Officer. If possible, the RVC Warrant Officer 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

38

should personally observe and participate in the certification process of newly appointed 

WO1s who are assigned as DVC Warrants. The RVC Warrant Officer will work closely 

with the DVC Commander to ensure that certification takes place within 60 days of 

assignment. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

39

CHAPTER 20 

FOOD MANAGEMENT TEAMS 

20-1. PURPOSE. This chapter establishes policies for Veterinary Commanders and 

NCOs assigned to duties with U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Food Management Teams 

(FMTs). The Food Management Team’s primary mission is to provide assistance and 

training that enhances the effectiveness of all U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps 

installation food service programs. The team’s ultimate goals are to emphasize 

conformity with existing standards, to enhance food service readiness capability, to 

achieve economy, and to increase overall management effectiveness. 

20-2. POLICIES. 

a. Assignments of Army Veterinary Food Service Instructor (AVFSI) will be made by 

the U.S. Army Human Resources Command with input from the HQ VETCOM 

Sergeants Major. Prerequisites for assignment to this duty are as follows: 

 (1) NCOs in the MOS and grade of 91R E-7 and above. 

 (2) Successful completion of the Army or Navy Instructor Training Course and 

ServSafe Food Safety Training (instructor certified) prior to assignment or within 

120 days after being assigned. Initial training will be provided at the expense of 

VETCOM, as applicable, Navy or Marine Corps funding will provide all other training 

and expenses related to Food Management Team duties. 

 (3) Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a SECRET clearance. This includes 

primary consideration that the Soldier must be a U.S. citizen. Coordination for 

clearance initiation will be made with the security office closest to the Soldier 

immediately upon notification of pending assignment. 

 b. To ensure continuity is maintained, the tour of duty when assigned to a Food 

Management Team is for a period of not less than 3 years. 

 c. AVFSIs will be allowed to attend all required Department of the Army centrally 

selected and funded schools. 

 d. Once assigned, AVFSIs will be given the opportunity to attend the following 

courses at the discretion of each Food Management Team OIC or Senior Instructor: 

 (1) Shipboard Pest Management Class, 12 hr, Course #B-322-1075. 

 (2) Food Safety Manager’s Class, 18 hr, Course #B322-2101. 

 (3) Heat Stress Afloat Course, 3.5 hr, Course #B-322-2320. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

40

 (4) Water Sanitation Afloat Course, 10 hr, Course #B-322-2120. 

 (5) Navy Basic Instructor Training Course, 10 days, Course #A-012-0077. 

 (6) Customs & Border Protection Cooperative Training for Agricultural 

Quarantine Inspectors. 

20-3. RESPONSIBILITIES. 

 a. The VETCOM Food Safety and Public Health Directorate staff is responsible for 

overseeing the Food Management Team program. Oversight will include an annual 

review of all applicable Memorandums of Agreement with both the U.S. Navy and U.S. 

Marine Corps. Such memorandums will be updated every 3 years, or each time that a 

significant program change takes place, and submitted to the Commander, VETCOM, 

for signature and finalization. Direct feedback on memorandum content will be sought 

from all Food Management Team members and from all Commanders that are directly 

involved with the program. 

 b. DVCs will ensure all Food Management Team members that are assigned to 

their districts receive administrative support as required. Such support includes the 

management of all personnel actions. The assigned District Commander will exercise 

Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) authority. Specific details regarding the 

Noncommissioned Officer Evaluation Report (NCOER) rating scheme, routing 

procedures for awards, leave/pass forms, annual physical fitness testing procedures, 

and urinalysis testing will be given in the appropriate MOU signed by the Commander, 

VETCOM. In addition, the 91R assigned to the FMT will not be tasked by the DVC for 

any unit-related duties or tasks, at any time, unless specifically approved by the 

Officer-in-Charge of the FMT. 

 c. The Veterinary Service Noncommissioned Officer assigned to duty with a Food 

Management Team plays a key role in food safety and quality assurance issues for the 

respective service branch to which they are assigned. In addition to the duties assigned 

by the Team Officer-in-Charge, the assigned veterinary service representative will 

provide services that include: 

 (1) Monitor unusual trends by both the vendor and the customer. 

 (2) Recommend additional training support by the Food Management Team. 

 (3) Provide contractual compliance determination prior to acceptance of 

products and while products are in storage. 

 (4) Assist customers by training on proper product receipt inspection 

procedures. 

 (5) Provide on-site visits to customers as requested. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

41

 (6) Advise customers on proper substitution and return policies as determined by 

contractual instruments and policies. 

 (7) Provide expertise on product characteristic evaluation while assisting in 

eliminating future discrepancies. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

42

CHAPTER 21 

APPROVED SOURCE VERIFICATION 

21-1. PURPOSE. This chapter provides policies and procedures for verification that 

food purchased from commercial sources for use by Military Forces and their families 

originate from an approved source. 

21-2. POLICIES. 

 a. DOD regulations and policies require that contracting officers purchase food and 

beverage products only from approved sources. With the increased possibility that food 

may be a target of intentional contamination, it is imperative that DOD personnel comply 

with the requirement that foods and beverages originate only from approved sources as 

defined in AR 40-657. Food items received from facilities that are not an approved 

source may pose a potential food safety risk. 

 b. A grace period for vendors to achieve approved source status is not authorized; 

however, the following policy applies: 

 (1) If product is judged to be of minimal public health and security risk and is 

permitted to remain on sale or to be used, the producing facility will generate, on 

letterhead, a request for initial audit. The request is then endorsed by the purchasing 

agency and forwarded to VETCOM. The request must be prepared, endorsed, and 

submitted by the purchasing agency to VETCOM within 3 working days following 

notification of the purchasing agency headquarters; electronic documents are 

acceptable. If the agency is not interested in further procurements from that source, an 

alternate (approved) source will be used for future deliveries. 

 (2) The decision to allow nonapproved food to be sold or to place it on hold is 

within the authority of, and is the responsibility of, the RVC. Regional Commanders 

may delegate this authority to those that have adequate training, knowledge, and know 

the circumstances. Minimal qualifications should include being a veterinary 

officer/warrant officer with the experience and educational background to perform a 

thorough food risk assessment. 

 c. The VETCOM Food Safety and Public Health Directorate will be informed of all 

products found and confirmed to be from a nonapproved source, along with the RVC's 

recommendations for action to be taken. By addressing nonapproved source product 

information to the agencies by VETCOM, it is possible that there will be more prompt 

attention given to correcting the deficiency and improved consistency of response 

across VETCOM regarding any appropriate hold action. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

43

21-3. RESPONSIBILITIES. 

 a. RVCs will-- 

 (1) Ensure that policies are in place requiring verification of approved sources. 

 (2) Ensure all inspection personnel are regularly trained on approved sources 

verification and requirements. 

 (3) Verify that all Districts establish a tracking method for their sections that 

ensure all subsistence items are from approved sources. 

 b. DVCs will-- 

 (1) Ensure their inspection personnel have the required references and proper 

training needed to ensure compliance with the approved source requirement. 

 (2) Develop an approved source tracking method for their District. Two 

recommended methods include-- 

 (a) Floor plan method: The establishment’s floor plan is utilized as a “map” 

to track the specific methodology for verifying approved sources. For example, an aisleby-aisle or department-by-department sequential verification technique is utilized as a 

tracking mechanism. 

 (b) Commodity list: A key member of the leadership or technical chain, 

District Commander or District Warrant Officer, sends out a list of specific commodity 

groups to be monitored on a monthly basis and then results are tracked through the 

Lotus Notes ISP Database as a Customer Visit Report for each commodity group and 

monitored facility. 

 (3) Make approved source verification a priority, and closely monitor their 

approved source verification program. 

 (4) Ensure that there is a process in place that allows inspectors to report, in 

writing, to the accountable officer when a product is found that does not originate from 

an approved source. Written notification will include specific product information, brief 

instructions on how initial sanitation audits are requested by vendors in accordance with 

AR 40-657, and the website address for VETCOM Circular 40-1. 

 c. Veterinary branch leadership and veterinary food inspection specialists will 

ensure that all food products are from approved sources, or exempt from listing 

during receipt and surveillance inspections. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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CHAPTER 22 

TROOP FEEDING INSPECTION PROGRAMS 

22-1. PURPOSE. The purpose of this chapter is to outline the policies that direct the 

inspection of subsistence items destined for all troop feeding activities. This applies to 

Army, Navy, and Marine Corps installations, to include naval vessels. It does not apply 

to the inspection of operational rations. 

22-2. POLICIES. 

 a. Inspection personnel will follow the procedures set forth in VETCOM HBK 40-2, 

Troop Feeding Inspection Program (TFIP), and all contractual requirements. The TFIP 

encompasses the following: 

 (1) Normal surveillance inspection of subsistence in dining halls and galleys 

under the ISP Program, regardless of the delivery source, that is, prime vendor, local 

purchase, market ready, cook-chill. 

 (2) Receipt inspection of prime vendor deliveries, when available. 

 (3) DSCP-directed product evaluations, as follow-ups to their prime vendor 

worldwide audit program, and directed through VETCOM. 

 (4) Monthly VETCOM destination food audits. 

 (5) Detailed product inspections for navy ship and submarine deliveries. 

 b. Indirect support. Through DSCP's prime vendor worldwide product audit 

program, attendance at monthly audits is mandatory for veterinary service personnel to 

the maximum extent possible. VETCOM will publish an annual schedule of audits and 

locations. Those units closest to the applicable contract geographic location will support 

this through attendance and according to the guidance in VETCOM HBK 40-2. 

 c. Facility sanitation. The sanitation of storage facilities under the TFIP will only be 

assessed as it relates to nonconforming products discovered during surveillance 

inspections, unless prior agreements have been made with the local preventive 

medicine activities. Veterinary service personnel will be cognizant of and will report any 

obvious imminent health hazards noted while making dining hall/galley visits. 

 d. Inspection Reporting. Results of inspections under this program will be recorded 

in accordance with the directives set forth in the local ISP Program policy and in 

VETCOM HBK 40-2. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

45

22-3. RESPONSIBILITIES. 

 a. RVCs and DVCs will ensure that all aspects of troop feeding inspections are 

supported through adequate equipment, training, and attendance at audits as required. 

Periodic reviews of reports are necessary to ensure compliance with program directives. 

 b. Branches will ensure SOPs address mission requirements under the TFIP. This 

must be directly correlated to the ISP Program in terms of level of support agreed upon. 

It is critical that Branches keep coordination with the local Preventive Medicine. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

46

CHAPTER 23 

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR VETERINARY SERVICES PERSONNEL 

23-1. PURPOSE. This chapter directs attention to the Code of Ethics and moral 

standards for all Department of Defense (DOD) military and civilian personnel. 

23-2. APPLICABILITY. All VETCOM personnel are subject to the Standards of Ethical 

Conduct according to the Joint Ethics Regulation (JER) DOD 5500.7-R. This regulation 

prescribes standards of conduct required by DOD personnel relating to possible conflict 

between private interests and official duties. 

23-3. RESPONSIBILITIES. Commanders will-- 

 a. Thoroughly brief all newly assigned personnel upon arrival regarding the 

Standards of Ethical Conduct provisions. 

 b. Inform personnel that violations of this regulation may be cause for appropriate 

disciplinary action along with any penalty provided by law. 

 c. Ensure that all assigned personnel receive annual ethics training. 

 d. Maintain an official attendance record for required Standards of Ethical Conduct 

training/briefing for all assigned personnel. Annotate when the training was completed 

and retain the record on file for 3 years. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

47

APPENDIX A 

REFERENCES 

Section I 

Required Publications 

AR 1-201, Army Inspection Policy 

AR 11-2, Management Control 

AR 40-656/NAVSUPINST 4355.10/MCO 10110.45, Veterinary Surveillance 

Inspection of Subsistence 

AR 40-657/NAVSUPINST 4355.4c/AFRT 163-2/MCO P10110310, Food Safety, 

Quality Assurance, and Laboratory Services 

AR 40-660/DLAR 4155.26/NAVSUPINST 10110.8c/AFR 161-42/MCO 10110.38c, 

DOD Hazardous Food and Nonprescription Drug Recall System 

AR 525-13, Antiterrorism 

AR 530-1, Operations Security 

DOD Directive 2000.12, DOD Antiterrorism Program 

DOD Instruction 5010.40, Management Control Program Procedures 

DOD O-2000.12-H, DOD Antiterrorism Handbook 

DOD 5500.7-R, Joint Ethics Regulation 

MEDCOM Pam 40-13, U.S. Army Veterinary Command Guidelines and 

Procedures 

OMB Circular A-123, Management of Federal Information Resources 

 

TG 188, U.S. Army Food and Water Vulnerability Assessment Guide 

VETCOM Cir 40-1, Worldwide Directory of Sanitarily Approved Food 

Establishments for Armed Forces Procurement 

VETCOM Handbook 40-2, Troop Feeding Inspection Program (TFIP) 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

48

Section II 

Related Publications 

AR 30-22, The Army Food Service Program 

DOD Directive 5010.38, Management Control Program 

DOD Instruction 2000.16, DOD Antiterrorism Standards 

DeCA Directive 40-3, Meat Department Operations 

DeCA Directive 40-4, Produce Department Operations 

DeCA Directive 40-5, Grocery Department Operations 

DLAR/DLAD 4155.37, Appendix S, Material Quality Storage Standards Policy for 

Shelf-Life Material 

DPSCH 4155.2, Inspection of Composite Operational Rations 

DPSCM 4155.6, Subsistence Inspection Manual 

DPSCM 4155.7, In-Storage Quality Control and Inspection 

Exchange Service Regulation 1-2, Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Military 

Public Health Services 

Food Code, U.S. Public Health Service, Food and Drug Administration

FM 7-1, Battle Focused Training 

MIL-STD 904, Guidelines for Detection, Evaluation, and Prevention of Pest 

Infestation of Subsistence 

MIL-STD 3006, Sanitation Requirements for Food Establishments 

TB Med 263, Veterinary Service Identification of Inspected Foods

TB Med 530, Food Service Sanitation 

TB Med 561, Pest Surveillance 

VETCOM Food Analysis and Diagnostic Laboratory Submission Guide, 

http://vets.amedd.army.mil/vetlab/Guide.pdf 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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Section III 

Prescribed Forms 

MEDCOM Form 640-R (MCVS), Retail Food Establishment Inspection Report 

Section IV 

Referenced Forms 

DA Form 7539, Request for Veterinary Laboratory Testing & Food Sample Record 

DD Form 1714, Product Verification Record 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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GLOSSARY 

Section I 

Abbreviations 

AAFES 

Army and Air Force Exchange Service 

AKO 

Army Knowledge Online

ALFOODACT 

All Food Activities 

AMEDDC&S 

U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School 

AT 

Antiterrorism 

AVFSI 

Army Veterinary Food Service Instructor 

CONUS 

Continental United States 

CPI 

Closed Package Inspection 

DeCA 

Defense Commissary Agency 

DLA 

Defense Logistics Agency 

DNBI 

disease nonbattle injury 

DOD 

Department of Defense 

DODVSA 

Department of Defense Veterinary Service Activity 

DOP 

Date of Pack 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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DOPI 

Destructive Open Package Inspection 

DSCP 

Defense Supply Center Philadelphia 

DSO 

Defense Subsistence Officer 

DVC 

District Veterinary Command/Commander 

EHO 

Environmental Health Officer 

FADL 

Food and Drug Laboratory 

FF&E 

fresh fruit and vegetables 

FMT 

Food Management Team 

FPCON 

Force Protection Condition 

FTX 

field training exercise 

HDR 

Humanitarian daily rations 

HQ 

Headquarters 

HQ VETCOM 

Headquarters, U.S. Army Veterinary Command 

IHH 

imminent health hazard 

ISP 

Installation Support Plan / Program 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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ITD 

Inspection Test Date 

LN 

Lotus Notes 

MCP 

Management Control Process 

MEDCOM 

U.S. Army Medical Command 

MOU 

Memorandum of Understanding 

MP 

Military Police 

MRE 

Meals, Ready-to-Eat 

MWD 

Military Working Dog 

MWH 

Military Working Horse 

MWR 

Morale, Welfare, and Recreation 

NAF 

nonappropriated fund 

NCO 

Noncommissioned officer 

NCOER 

Noncommissioned officer evaluation report 

NCOIC 

Noncommissioned officer in charge 

NEX 

Navy Exchange 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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OCONUS 

Outside the Continental United States 

OIC 

officer in charge 

OIP 

Organizational Inspection Program 

OMB 

Office of Management and Budgets 

OPRATS 

Operational Rations 

OSA 

Office Systems Administrator 

PBO 

Produce Buying Office 

POA 

privately-owned animal 

RVC 

Regional Veterinary Command/Commander 

SGM 

Sergeant major 

SMT 

subject matter trainer 

SOP 

standing operating procedure 

SPC 

Specialist 

TDS 

Technical Data Sheet 

TFIP 

Troop Feeding Inspection Program 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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TISA 

Troop Issue Subsistence Activity 

UCMJ 

Uniform Code of Military Justice 

UGR-A/-B 

Unitized Group Rations, Type A or B 

VCO 

Veterinary Corps Officer 

VETCOM 

U.S. Army Veterinary Command 

Section II 

Terms 

Accountable Officer: The person in-charge of or responsible for the retail activity or 

department within the retail activity. Examples include: Commissary Director, Produce 

Department Manager, Meat Manager, Grocery Manager, DSO/PBO Chief, Exchange 

Manager, and Food Court Manager. 

Adulterate: To make impure by adding extraneous, improper, or inferior ingredients 

(also adulteration). 

Approved Source: An establishment listed in the VETCOM Circular 40-1, Worldwide 

Directory of Sanitarily Approved Food Establishments for Armed Forces Procurement; 

or an establishment which meets the criteria for exemption as defined by VETCOM 

Cir 40-1 Para 3c; or a locally approved food establishment. 

Closed-Package Inspection (CPI): There are two types of closed-package 

inspections: 

 (1) Nondestructive closed-package inspection: Examination of packing and 

packaging material without destroying the inner packaging material. These 

examinations are completed before the start of an open-package inspection. Following 

CPI, the sample unit will normally be returned to the lot from which drawn, unless it is 

subsequently used for the open-package phase of inspection. 

 (2) Destructive inspection: Examination of the internal contents of a package 

showing external major or critical defects to identify the defects and/or extent of the 

defect. Destructive inspection should be kept to a minimum and not related to or 

confused with the open-package phase of inspection. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

55

Condition: The appearance, feel, smell, taste and sometimes sound characteristics of 

the product. 

Destructive Open Package Inspection (DOPI): An inspection of the individual unit, 

piece or item of product to determine identity, condition and quality, which destroys the 

protective packaging or product, or alters product characteristics precluding intended 

use. 

Exchange Services: A retail establishment on an installation operated by Army and Air 

Force Exchange Services (AAFES), Navy Exchange (NEX) or Marine Corps Exchange 

Services. 

Frozen Desserts: Products that include ice cream, mellorine, sherbert, ice milk, ice 

cream mix, ice milk mix, milk shake mix, and other similar frozen desserts, including 

frozen novelties. 

Infestable Food Items: Food items (to include dry pet food) whose nature and method 

of packaging make them subject to actual or potential pest infestation. In some 

locations, all grains may be considered infestible. 

Inspection for Condition: A determination that the product's appearance, feel, smell 

or taste at the time of delivery, are as required by the contract, and applicable regulatory 

documents. 

Inspection for Identity: A determination that the item delivered conforms to 

contractual requirements for product characteristics. It is also a determination that, if 

the item was inspected at origin, it is in fact the item produced, inspected, and shipped 

for the contract. 

Inspection for Quality: To determine that the product conforms to required quality 

factors (for example, quality assurance provisions, degree of excellence or grade, 

customer appeal, etc.). 

Inspection for Quantity: To determine that the product conforms to cited contractual 

documents (for example, net weight, drained weight, volume, or count per shipping 

container). 

Inspection for Packing, Packaging, Marking, and Labeling: A determination that the 

packaging, packing, marking, and labeling are as required by contractual documents 

and federal law. 

Multi-line Items: A delivery of food subsistence that contains numerous different types 

of food subsistence. (for example, a delivery containing eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese, 

biscuits, juice). 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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Obvious Defect: A defect that would result in finding the product to be nonconforming 

to contract requirements or otherwise unacceptable if a full destination inspection was 

performed. 

Off-Condition: Any variation from the expected appearance, feel, smell, or taste 

characteristics of a product. 

Open Package Inspection (OPI): An inspection of the individual unit, piece or item of 

product to determine identity, condition and quality, without causing any loss, 

destruction, or alteration of product characteristics affecting intended use. Upon 

completion of the inspection, the product shall be replaced in its original primary 

container, sealed, and returned to the master container for future use. 

Percent (%) Defective: The percent defective of any given quantity of units of product 

is one hundred times the number of defective units of product contained there in divided 

by the total number of units of product. 

 

Perishable Food Items: Food items that under normal conditions must be chilled or 

frozen in order to prevent spoilage/deterioration. 

Potentially Hazardous Foods: Any food that consists in whole or in part of milk or milk 

products, eggs, meats, poultry, fish, shellfish, edible crustacean (shrimp, lobster, crab, 

etc.) or other natural or synthetic ingredients capable of supporting rapid and 

progressive growth of infectious or toxigenic microorganisms. 

Primary Container: The immediate container in which the product is packaged and 

which serves to protect, preserve, and maintain the condition of the product. It may be 

metal, glass, fiber, wood, textile, plastic, paper, or any other suitable type of material 

and may be supplemented by liners, over wraps, or other protective material. 

Quality Assurance Provisions (QAPs): Documents which includes all requirements 

for quality and reliability assurance, both administrative and technical (for example, 

Blank Purchase Agreement (BPA), Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Contract, etc.). 

Representative Sample: Sample items drawn from various locations throughout the 

load or lot. 

Retail Activity: Any establishment or section of an establishment where food and food 

products are offered for issue or resale to the final consumer (for example, commissary 

stores, Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) facilities, exchanges, shoppettes, Troop 

feeding facilities, etc.). 

Sampling Plan: A written method for determining sample size and associated 

acceptance criteria. 
MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

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Semi-Perishable Food Items: Food items that are canned, dried, dehydrated, or 

otherwise processed to the extent that they do not require refrigeration. 

Shipping (Master) Container: The external container that protects the primary 

container. It affords adequate protection against corrosion, deterioration, and physical 

damage during shipment, handling, and intermediate storage. 

Troop Feeding Activities: Government food preparation facilities such as: Dining 

Facilities, Galley’s, Ship’s Mess, etc. 

Unwholesome: Food that may be injurious or unsafe to the health of the consumer 

and may cause illness or death to the consumer. 

Wholesale Activity: Any establishment storing perishable or semiperishable 

subsistence that requires preparation or distribution to a government agency (for 

example Defense Subsistence Operation (DSO), DSO Supply Point, Produce Buying 

Office (PBO), Terminal Market Buying Office (TMBO), Defense Depot, etc. 






MEDCOM Reg 40-28 

64

The proponent of this publication is the U.S. Army Veterinary 

Command. Users are invited to send comments and suggested 

improvements on DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to 

Publications and Blank Forms) to Commander, U.S. Army Veterinary 

Command, ATTN: MCVS, 2050 Worth Road, Fort Sam Houston, TX 

78234-6005. 

FOR THE COMMANDER: 

 WILLIAM H. THRESHER 

 Chief of Staff 

CHARLES C. HUME 

Colonel, MS 

Assistant Chief of Staff for 

 Information Management 

DISTRIBUTION: 

This publication is available in electronic media only and is intended for MEDCOM 

distribution Aa, Ba, Ca, Da, Ea, and Fa. 

SPECIAL DISTRIBUTION: 

MCHC (Stockroom) (1 cy) 

MCHS-AS (Forms Mgr) (1 cy) 

MCHS-AS (Editor) (2 cy)