DeCA's Web Site Posts Food Safety Information

The "Food Safety Information" button on http://www.commissaries.com takes visitors to a section that publicizes pertinent food safety alerts and product recalls. It also links to other Web sites offering a wealth of food safety information.

What DeCA does to ensure food safety goes mostly unnoticed by customers, said Col. Mark Wolken, DeCA's chief of public health, safety and security. Recalls are part of the safety chain that can involve customer action and can be confusing at times. So DeCA is harnessing the power of the Internet to ensure the broadest dissemination of accurate information.

DeCA is integral to DoD's extensive food safety network, which includes monitoring acquisition and transportation processes to ensure service members have the best and safest food products.

The agency's Web site gives information on significant food safety alerts and recalls that may affect commissary shoppers. Most times, recalled products are removed from supply systems before they are sold. Customers can return recalled products to their commissary for a refund.

Recalls are usually local or regional and receive adequate publicity. But with almost 280 commissaries worldwide, DeCA is leveraging the extra link of Web site publicity, Wolken said.

"Food safety and cleanliness are critical aspects in the service we provide our customers. This is yet another way we can assure our customers that they are getting the best and safest food products, which they count on us to deliver as part of their commissary benefit," he said.

(Rick Brink works in corporate communications at the Defense Commissary Agency.)