Exchange Focuses on Food Safety
DALLAS – With more than 1,500 direct restaurants and 645 Express retail convenience stores worldwide, the Army & Air Force Exchange service is responsible for oversight of food safety at Army and Air Force bases from Kentucky to Kaiserslautern.
In Europe and the Pacific the task goes beyond drive-thru’s and roller grills as seven Exchange-operated bakeries and water plants in Germany, Italy, Japan and Korea support service members and their families. Like restaurants and convenience stores, these facilities are routinely inspected by regulatory personnel. Health, sanitation, and safety inspections are also conducted in compliance with Department of Defense (DoD), government and industry practices.
In coordination with the U.S. Army Veterinary Service, U.S. Army Preventive Medicine and U.S. Air Force Public Health personnel, the Exchange ensures regulatory food safety and sanitation compliance at 2,100- plus retail food operations.
“Even as the Exchange introduces new brands and services, food safety remains the top priority and a team effort,” said Army Col. Erik Torring, Exchange veterinarian. “From the Exchange food court or Express store associate to the installation and Exchange headquarters public health officials, we all work as one to ensure Exchange food service and retail facilities meet or exceed DoD health and sanitation requirements.”
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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htm or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.
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