Tamper Evident Combat Rations
Tamper Evident (TE) features will be applied to container loads, pallet loads and potentially shipping cases of combat rations to ensure their security.
Why Are They Needed?
Recent world events have raised significant concerns over the risk to the food supply from tampering incidents. These incidents may be biological, chemical or radiological in nature, and be intentional or unintentional. Future deployments and operations including widely dispersed joint service operations, multi-national deployments, and humanitarian missions have significantly increased the complexity and security risks to the distribution and handling of subsistence loads. Therefore, steps need to be taken to increase the security of the military supply chain and packaged military rations.
Technology:
The feasibility of incorporating TE features into combat ration distribution and packaging systems are being investigated. Mechanical and/or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sensor-based TE systems are being explored and evaluated. These technologies include pressure-sensitive labels, multi-layer films, stretch-wrap with specialty inks or RFID tags, electronic seals and other container security device systems. Materials have been commercially developed that alter their appearance upon tampering or detecting a puncture or break in the packaging. For example, they may shred, change color, or reveal messages.
Key Features/Benefits:
Improved Ration Safety and Security…protection against bioterrorism, theft, sabotage and other risks.
Increased Warfighter Confidence…features provide a visual or electronic indication of tampering or security breach and ensure a secure supply line.
Compatible with Military Distribution Systems…features will benefit all current and future packaging configurations, and DoD ITV.
Real Time Monitoring…Electromagnetic/RFID-based devices or tags send out a signal indicating the container’s location and time of breach.
