Millennium Ark: MREs

MRE STORAGE LIFE CHART*

degrees in F	months
120	1
110	5
110	22
90	55
80	76
70	100
60	130
Below 60	Data not available

Projections are that the 130 months will be surpassed. This chart contains storage life projections for MRE rations from the U.S. Army's Natick Research Laboratories and does not reflect a manufacturer's or vendor's guarantee.

NOTE: Time and temperature have a cumulative effect. For example, storage at 100^oF (38^oC) degrees for 11 months moved to 70^oF (21^oC) would lose one half of the 70^oF (21^oC) storage.
*Wornick's, a retailer of MREs, puts their shelf life at less than the Army's findings. While the Army finds MREs acceptable for over 10-1/2 years stored at 60^oF (16^oC) , Wornick's places their shelf life for the same temperature at 7 years. I would tend to regard the lower time frame as accurate for several reasons:

1. The Army's findings for shelf life were based on "taste tests" of their Natick's Research Laboratories, not nutritional findings.

2. And this is certainly not scientific, but the military has traditionally been known for putting food in their troops bellies - period, not that it was particularly tasty or nutritious.

Wornick's Estimated Sustained Shelf-life Storage Temperatures (in months)

degrees in F degrees in C months 120 49 1 110 43 5 100 38 18 90 32 30 80 27 48 70 21 66 60 16 84 50 or less 10 or less 96


The above chart references sustained temperatures. MREs are not usually stored in controlled air-conditioned facilities for long periods of time. The product nutritional value and shelf-life may be compromised if an average temperature is not maintained. MREs should not be stored at temperatures around 25 - 30^oF ( -3.8 to -1^oC) because of possible reduction in quality. Rough handling of a frozen package can result in broken seals and fool spoilage. Frozen storage is not recommended.**
**However, this statement is in opposition to the US Army's statement: " MREs are designed to withstand harsh military transportation requirements, including airdrop with and without parachutes and storage at -60 degrees fahrenheit up to 120 degrees fahrenheit. (See MREs Fast FAQ for further information.)
DATE CODING

Each MRE product is date coded with a series of numbers. The numbers include the production year, and the day produced in addition to a lot number extension. Look for a number stamped on the package that looks like 7055A B02A. Look at the first digit of the number 7055. The "7" stand for the last digit of the year, 1997. If you are buying from a disreputable dealer, it could also stand for 1986. Ask your dealer for clarification. The following three numbers "055" represents the 55th day of the year, or February 25th. The full breakdown of the date code would be February 25, 1997. The "B02A" is the lot number which can be ignored.

If no date or date code appears for a product and the company where the purchase was made sells only fresh and current MREs, mark each meal with the date of purchase OR mark the meal 7 years into the future. Whichever method you use, make sure you stick to the same one throughout your stored food purchases. This applies to canned good, medicines, dried foods, everything. If stored at the proper temperature, you'll have approximately 7 years' shelf life from date of purchase. If the company where you purchase MREs sells product made 2 years prior, note that date on your box and subtract two years from your pencilled-in expiration date. Example: If it is June 20, 1998 and the MRE source sells products 2 years old (which usually means they'll give you a better price), date your box with a permanent marker "Expire June 20, 2005".

SECTION V - MRE MYTHS

Q) Is it true that MREs are laced with Saltpetre and will make me impotent?

A) This is a silly urban myth and should not be perpetuated. If you have any question of this, I will pass your address on to my girlfriend who will attest to the fact that on weekends of MRE meals my habits (wink wink nudge nudge) are not altered in the least. On the other hand MRE meals are chock full of Alum and eating too many will make your head shrink just like in the classic Warner Brothers cartoons.

Q) Will MRE meals constipate me?

A) It depends. MREs are low in moisture content. They do not constipate me, but different folks respond differently. If you maintain your normal fluid intake while consuming MREs you should have no problems. Some folks add water to their regular MRE entres to stretch them a bit and add more moisture.

SECTION VI - DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS/NUTRITION CHART

Approximate Nutritional Values
( based on the average of 6 menus)
Net Weight:493g
Protein:25g
Fat:32g
Carbohydrates:149g
Calories:933
The Department of Defense requires that each MRE is provide one-third of the daily nutritional requirements of field personnel, as follows:

1200 calories 5 mg zinc 30-40 % total fat (depending on choice) 1670 IU total Vitamin A 33.33 grams protein 20 mg Vitamin C 50 - 55 % calories as carbohydrate 0.60 mg B1 267 mg calcium 0.73 mg B2 267 mg phosphorous 8 mg Niacin equivalent 6 mg iron 0.73 mg B6 1667-2334 mg sodium* 133 mcg Folacin 133 mg magnesium 1 mcg B12 3.3 mg Vitamin E (Source: Wornick's)