Section I. INTRODUCTION
3-1.
GENERAL
The military is unique in that it procures subsistence items in bulk which are then
put into storage to be used at a later date. Sanitation in these food storage facilities is
important. If neglected, the subsistence items will deteriorate faster than if kept under
ideal conditions.
3-2.
FOOD STORAGE FACILITIES
There are two types of food storage facilities: cold storage, for perishable
subsistence, and dry storage, for semiperishable subsistence. The cold storage
facilities require refrigeration while the dry storage facilities do not. These storage
facilities may belong to the commissary (TSA), TISA, or the Army and Air Force
Exchange Service (AAFES).
3-3.
INSPECTION DOCUMENTS
a. If the food storage facility is owned by the commissary, then Military Standard
903C, Sanitation Standards for Commissaries, will be used for the inspection.
b. If the food storage facility is owned by TISA, then Military Standard 909,
Sanitation Standards for Food Storage Facilities, will be used.
c. There is no AAFES form or inspection format for sanitary inspections of
AAFES food storage facilities. Procedures found in local standing operating procedure
(SOP) will be used.
d. DOD 4145.19-R-1, Storage and Materials Handling (see appendix A),
establishes uniform storage and materials handling policies, procedures, and
responsibilities for use by DOD supply installations/activities involved in the receipt,
storage, issue, and care of military supplies and equipment. Section 5 of chapter 5, of
this regulation deals with the storage of subsistence.
3-4.
FACTORS AFFECTING STORAGE LIFE
DOD 4145.19-R-1 (Chapter 5,Section V) lists the recommended approximate storage
life for many semiperishable items stored under optimum conditions. This list should be
used as a guide by the inspector in determining the shelf life of subsistence items. The
period of safe storage becomes uncertain if items are exposed to extremes in
temperature, humidity, or air circulation. The remaining storage life must always be
based on a thorough inspection of the product. The main causes for deterioration or
spoilage of subsistence are:
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