Re: [HoE] Milrats/MREs-Fact from Fiction

[VCVet@aol.com]

Sorry it has taken me so long to respond, but I feel compelled to dispel some
MRE "Urban Myths"
(Let me preface this with the fact that I am an Army Veterinary Corps Officer
whose primary job is food inspection, and who had the MRE Plant in McAllen, TX
in my AO last tour):
In answer to the original longevity question:
MREs are designed and required by milspec to last 3 yrs at 80 degrees F, and
up to 8 yrs at 50 degrees F (in controlled conditions).  The following table
shows shelf life at different temps:
120 degrees--1 month
110 --5 months
100--18 months
90--30 months
80--48 months
70--66 months
60--84 months
50--96 months
Repeated freeze/thaw cycles will also degrade the shelf-life by causing micro-
punctures in the inner layer of the tri-laminate pouch (caused by ice
crystals_--thsu the warning "Do not Rough Handle when Frozen"

T-rations, which are really called Tray packs, are currently on medical hold
throughout the inventory, and production has been discontinued.  This is due
to "Grey Spots", which are areas on the metallic trays which have developed
micro-punctures due to an interaction with the contents, compromising the
integrity of the packaging.  Shelf-life for T-rats was 36 months, which could
be extended another 12 months after inspection.  They can be eaten hot or
cold, and are heated in big boiling water immersion baths in field kitchens.

<<They have high calorie content/They were so calorie rich that they were
causing severe internal problems:  despite the myth that MREs have millions of
calories, a full MRE, consuming all components, provides 1200-1300 calories.
A male in the field needs 2800-3600 cal, and a female 200-2800 calories.

<<MRE's were so concentrated, or there were chemicals in them, that one
usually didn't have to undergo a bowel movement but once every four days:  no
chemicals (another urban myth).  Due to the low water content (low activity of
water means little microbial growth) and the fact that most people in the
field are sweating copiously, bowel movements are infrequent and rock hard
when they do come out.  Dehydrated components are a thing of the past, with
all fruit in "wet packs" and no more dehydrated entrees of any type.  Today's
MREs also have a high fat content, and constipation should be reduced if fluid
intake is maintained.

<<The (probablyapocryphal) story I heard about these later MREs was that the
design team (nutritionists, engineers and other such types involved in
creating
and stuffing three meals of food in one small bag capable of sitting in
storage for years)  gave the General in charge of the MRE contract their
latest devolpments and ideas.  Another urban myth.  The powers that be realize
that good food is a morale booster, and are working hard to win over today's
"Burger King Babies" with the new MREs.  The entrees for the latest generation
MREs are better than anything that Hormel or any commercial company puts out
as "Shelf-stable".  Researchers from Natick Labs (Medical and Materiel
Research and development Command) go out to troops in the field several times
per year and have them fill out surveys on which entrees they like and what
they would like to see.  Currently there are "hand sandwiches" in the works,
much like the frozen Lean Pockets but shelf stable.

<<the "popularization" of MREs may have actually reduced their shelf life.
The name brand candy tastes better fresh, but after awhile they go bad -
leaving you worse off if you happened to get a case that was sitting around
for awhile.  Not true.  Although the M&Ms or Skittles may be in the samer
wrapper you pick up at the store, they are made to milspecs, using that
indestructible chocolate or whatever is in Skittles.

By the way, the preceding was in no way a flame on Alan's reply.  I just used
it because it had so many points that were being repeated over and over.
Anyone interested in more tables can contact me and I'll send them to you.

Jay Kyle
CPT, VC
Senior Military Instructor, Animal Medicine Branch
Army Medical Dept Center and School