Meats and Poultry

MANUAL OF NAVAL PREVENTIVE MEDICINE

locally purchased food items that were not obtained from an SPV and were

not inspected by U.S. Army veterinary service personnel.

e. The PMA concerned with food inspections ashore should maintain

liaison with local personnel of the U.S. Army Veterinary services, USDA,

and/or USDC inspectors to avail themselves of general information and

techniques involved in food inspection.

f. Food inspections afloat should be made in the company of the supply

officer or representative, thus a combination of knowledge and training can

result in an effective inspection program.

g. The practice of sound judgement, coupled with experience and common

sense will help determine what items are fit or unfit. Foul odor and

unnatural appearance, as determined by the PMA, are causes for rejection.

3-1.2.2 Meats and Poultry

a. In the United States all meat and poultry purchased from

subsistence prime vendors or a subcontractor under a prime vendor contract

must have originated from plants operating according to all USDA

requirements and the law. In overseas areas where meats, meat products,

poultry, and poultry products cannot be obtained from plants under Federal

or State inspection systems, the U.S. Army Veterinary Service provides

inspection services. These approved plants are listed in the Directory of

Sanitarily Approved Food Establishments.

b. Guidelines for receipt of meats and poultry may be found in NAVSUP

PUB 421 AND NAVSUP PUB 486.

3-1.2.3 Fish and Shellfish (seafood)

a. Fish may not be received from subsistence prime vendors unless

they are legally caught, harvested, and obtained from a source listed in

Directory of Sanitarily Approved Food Establishments or USDC Approved List

of Fish Establishments and Products.

b. Fish must be carefully inspected. Refrozen fish must not be used.

Fresh fish have bright red gills, prominent clear

eyes and firm elastic flesh. Stale fish are dull in appearance, have cloudy

and red bordered eyes and soft flesh; finger impressions are made easily

and remain when digital pressure is released.

c. Fish caught over the side at sea must not be consumed.

3-1.2.4 Fruits and Vegetables

Inspections of fresh fruits and vegetables are based on USDA standards.

Use common sense when inspecting fruits and vegetables. For additional

information refer to NAVSUP 421.