MREs (Meals-Ready-to-Eat

INTRODUCTION

MREs (meals-ready-to-eat) were developed to replace the old “c” and “k” rations for military personnel. Th ey were released by the U.S. government as a food source for the military in 1975 (Alspach et al., 1998). MREs were designed as a selfcontained, individual fi eld ration in lightweight packaging. All MREs are ready-to-eat as is; no mixing, cooking, or water addition. Previous rations were either canned foods that were heavy to carry or dried foods that required rehydration. Th e major innovation in creating MREs was the tri-laminated metalicized heat-stable pouch. Th e plastic pouch is lightweight, heat-stable, and fl exible.

QUALITY AND PURCHASE

Initially MREs were only produced for the military by subcontractors; therefore, obtaining a case or two meant getting them by dubious means. Due to the prevalence of unauthorized sales to civilians, the military began placing a notice on MREs stating that resale was not permitted. Because of the demand, there are two diff erent types of MREs today; military and civilian. Many of the military subcontractors simply started making a consumer version of MREs for sale to the public. Oft en the package label looks very similar to the military version. MREs are widely available both in specialty stores and online. Specialty stores such as emergency preparedness, survival, and camping stores typically carry a variety (MREinfo, 2013).

Th e quality of MREs is similar to canned foods. Th ey are safe to eat providing the metalicized pouch is not compromised.

PACKAGING

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) and foil laminate pouches are exceptional food containers. Th e polyethylene (PET) layer is food-grade plastic with no known toxicities and makes up the innermost layer that touches foods. Th e foil layer is in the middle and dramatically reduces the transmission of oxygen, CO2, and moisture through the fi lm. Th e outer layer is polyester, a tough but non-food grade plastic (ILSI, 2000). One trade name is Mylar®and is oft en used as a generic name. Be aware that even though there is a metallic layer in the bag, rodents can easily chew into it. As soon as the MRE package is opened, it is vulnerable to bacterial growth. Military MRE packaging requirements are strict. MREs must be able to withstand a parachute drop from 1,250 feet and non-parachute drops of almost 100 feet.

STORAGE CONDITIONS & SHELF LIFE

Th e military stores MREs in climate-controlled warehouses to prolong shelf life. Th e colder they are stored, the longer they last. MREs should not be frozen, or if they freeze they should be carefully handled because the foil layer can crack.

Th e shelf life of foods packaged in retort pouches depends on storage temperature. For military MRE’s the food is required to maintain a minimum shelf life of 3½ years at 27° C (81° F), 9 months at 38° C (100° F), and short durations from −51° C (−60° F) to 49° C (120° F). Th e military has validated MRE safety for up to 10 years. Beyond that time is not recommended, simply because no data is available (MREinfo, 2013).

Th e following chart represents a general indication of the eff ects of storage temperature on the shelf life of MRE-type food products.

Temperature (Fahrenheit)

100 o 90 o 85 o 80 o 75 o 70 o

Storage Life in Months

22 55 60 76 88 100

A typical military MRE contains between 1,200-1,300 calories. (Forester, 2007) Th e military designed their menus knowing that soldiers in the fi eld should not eat more than 21 days straight of MREs. Most MREs off er complete nutrition, including vitamins. Typically, military MREs contain 39 percent carbohydrates, 15 percent protein, and 36 percent fat.

ALLERGIES: MREs procured for military use may or may not have an allergen statement on them. However, all commercial MREs made for direct sale to consumers are required to carry both ingredients and an allergen statement. Most will also have a nutrition facts panel.

USE FROm STORAGE

Tear open the packaging and enjoy.