b. Detection.
(1) Rapid identification of agents used is absolutely essential to implement effective countermeasures. Agent identification must be achieved quickly; it is the first step in answering critical management questions. What adjustments must be made in food preparation and distribution? What are the essential countermeasures? What is the expected outcome of the incident?
(2) Samples of food that are suspected of being contaminated are transported to the designated supporting laboratory. Samples must be accompanied by a description of the samples, the sample collection procedures, and the circumstances, which prompted the collection. The designated medical laboratory in the TO will provide a field confirmation identification of the agent(s). Designated CONUS laboratories accomplish definitive identification. See [Appendix B] for sampling procedures.
NOTE
New biological detection equipment is under development that will enable units to conduct presumptive identification of biological warfare agents. However, samples must also be collected and processed as described in [Appendix B].
c. Decontamination.
(1) Food contaminated with toxins is handled in the same manner as food contaminated with chemical agents. Food contaminated with microorganisms is handled in the same manner as when contaminated with the more common foodborne disease-producing microorganisms.
(2) Several methods are available to decontaminate food items contaminated with biological agents. The following decontamination methods are considered to be the minimum. See [Table J-1.]
(3) Group II food that is sealed in containers that are resistant to the passage of biological agents requires only that the exterior of the container be decontaminated. Decontamination of these items is as follows: