How far have you pushed MRE experation?

[Jayne]

Sorting through our emergency supplies I've found that the first batch of MREs we put away expired in January of this year. They've been stored in a fairly cool location as long as I've had them but who knows how they were treated in their first 6 months of life.

For those of you who've had to eat these things for real, how long past expiration before you ran into problems (being inedible, making you sick, etc)?

 

[Force_Multiplier]

Re: How far have you pushed MRE experation?

if they're bad, the package (individual packages inside) usually swell... and even if they don't, you'll know as soon as you open it... tobasco will discolor as it goes bad... think of them like canned food, look for evidence besides the date, swelling, damaged packaging, food smell and appearance if the packaging is good... IIRC the mil will inspect at the dates on them and redate them

 

[JB5812]

Re: How far have you pushed MRE experation?

I've eaten ones that have been "expired" for over a year and a half. Not by choice... But they have to be stored in some seriously bad conditions to make them inedible and truly resemble something that is... "expired"...

 

[Palehorse68]

Re: How far have you pushed MRE experation?

Was stationed in Korea in 1997 and had M&M's with 1992 Olympics logo..don't remember the meal.

 

[HawkDriver]

Re: How far have you pushed MRE experation?

They expire? Lol. I've never actually looked at the date but I have gotten some that the tobasco was completely dry.

 

[me124704]

Re: How far have you pushed MRE experation?

I've never worried much about the expiration date...but there is no mistaking one that is past it's prime....swelling packaging and rancid smell pretty much a sure sign.

 

[Ranger70]

Re: How far have you pushed MRE experation?

Have eatin 12yr old MRS. I'm still here.

 

[ArmaHeavy]

Re: How far have you pushed MRE experation?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Casey D</div><div class="ubbcode-body">They expire? Lol. I've never actually looked at the date but I have gotten some that the tobasco was completely dry. </div></div>

That's your indicator right there. If that little bottle doesn't look legit then keep clear.

 

[LanceS4803]

Re: How far have you pushed MRE experation?

I've had old dark brown package MREs. Stale, but edible.

BUT, the real culprit may go undetected.
Had a new Chicken Stew MRE at during Sat lunch on drill weekend. 0430 next day, I was on the way to the hospital.
Tests confirmed e.coli, from that meal.
Since then, and even in Iraq and Afghanistan, no Chicken Stew for me.

 

[Palehorse68]

Re: How far have you pushed MRE experation?

I miss the dehydrated fruit bar and maple nut cake..

 

[Havoc]

Re: How far have you pushed MRE experation?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Palehorse68</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Was stationed in Korea in 1997 and had M&M's with 1992 Olympics logo..don't remember the meal. </div></div>

Funny you say that. I was in boot camp in 1992 and ate my first MRE with the M&M's having the 1984 Olympics on them.

 

[LanceS4803]

Re: How far have you pushed MRE experation?

Here is a good story from when MREs were intoduced:
1985, MREs arrive to replace our c-rations.
We used to heat the cans in an immersion heater, and used the hot water for cocoa/coffee, etc.
So some people dropped the foil MRE packs in the heater, and then used the hot water for drinks.
Big mistake, as the dye on the MRE packs caused diarrhea. Army put out Safety Bulletin about the water, and apparently dye was changed.

 

[Palehorse68]

Re: How far have you pushed MRE experation?

I was at Basic Training/AIT @Ft Benning, Ga in 1991...my first MRE was corned beef hash...looked and smelled like Alpo dog food..added hot sauce and it instantly became gourmet...lol

 

[IdahoMike]

Re: How far have you pushed MRE experation?

My old man ate one that was almost 30 years old recently, he said the candy was fantastic. Seriously.