AAFES ensures beef safety Published Dec. 30, 2003 DALLAS (AFPN) -- As concerns over beef safety grow, Army and Air Force Exchange Service officials said they have not received beef from Washington, where the first apparent case of mad cow disease was discovered recently. “(Officials are) working with franchise partners and suppliers to ensure all beef AAFES uses is procured from sources other than Washington,” said Richard Sheff, food and theater vice president. “Food being served at AAFES facilities is purchased only from Department of Defense-approved sources.” AAFES staff veterinarian/food and drug safety office maintains communication with the DOD veterinary service/Army surgeon general's office to ensure procurement actions are based on the most current information available, officials said.These efforts combined with other quality control measures “ensure AAFES’ customers receive food products of the highest quality,” Sheff said.