There are numerous threats to the health and safety of U.S. military members during deployment, particularly in areas with significant disease threats and minimal public health infrastructure. Prevention of illness is key to ensuring military operational readiness. Gastrointestinal illness, such as diarrhea, commonly afflicts deployed U.S. military personnel and can adversely affect operational readiness. Consumption of local, unapproved food sources is a risk behavior for contracting diarrheal illness.
Risk
At times, U.S. forces may need to eat local foods with community leaders and
residents. Eating local allows for better understanding and exchange of customs between U.S. forces and local communities. The practice can create bonding and improve working relationships, trust and morale.
Although eatling local may be good for building relationships, it does carry some
risk. Those who are not accustomed to local foods may be more likely to get foodborne illnesses. These illnesses may be relatively short in duration (hours or days) or severe, long-term or chronic, and even life-threatening. Lost duty days, decreased performance and prolonged illness are possible.
Common Symptoms of Foodborne Illness
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- fever
Seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
Decrease the Risk
Educated choices regarding the types of local food you eat can help to reduce your risk of foodborne illness. The chart below identifies common local foods based on the level of risk they pose for foodborne illness. This information does not replace the guidance or policies put in place by command leadership. Always seek command guidance before eating from unapproved sources.
| LOWER RISK FOODS | HIGHER RISK FOODS |
|---|
|
Eat Lower Risk Foods with Caution |
Avoid Higher Risk Foods |
| Breads | Milk and other dairy products (cheese, ice cream, and butter) |
| Fully cooked vegetables, beans and rice that are kept and served hot | Partially cooked or raw meats or fish |
| Boiled or well done meats (lamb, beef, poultry, and fish) that are eaten within 2 hours after cooking | Raw leafy vegetables |
| Hard-skin fruits and vegetables that you peel yourself (bananas, oranges, limes) | Left-overs, take-home or doggie bags |
| Hot tea | Opened/unsealed beverage containers |
| Bottled water or canned carbonated drinks that you open yourself | Ice, iced drinks, frozen desserts and juices |
| | Locally canned or packaged products |
Resources
Making Safer Local Food Choices During Deployment briefing
