Wednesday, 30 March 2016

Halal MRE - An Introduction To Rat Packs

By Daniel Reed


Meals, Ready to Eat, are self-contained field rations used in the United States armed forces. They are specially packaged and carefully formulated. To accommodate the various dietary and religious needs of the consumers, special meals, including Kosher, vegetarian, and Halal MRE are available.

It isn't just soldiers who eat MREs. They have been adapted for use by astronauts, too. Campers, hikers, and backpackers use them. They are also useful to have on hand in the cupboard in the event of a natural disaster such as an earthquake or a hurricane. In order to meet the stringent requirements of ready-to-eat meals, the quality isn't up to the same standard as might be consumed in a restaurant. Perhaps that is where the abbreviation, "Rat Packs, " comes from.

The contents of a single meal might typically include an entree and a side dish. The meal would be rounded out with a dessert. The pack also contains a bread roll or crackers, together with something to spread on them, such as peanut butter or cheese spread. Powdered beverages, i. E., coffee, tea, soft drinks, etc., are thrown in. Finally, the accessory portion of the pack would contain seasonings and maybe even some chewing gum or mints.

Certain non-edible items are in the pack. Most of the contents of an MRE can be managed with a spoon, so that keeps the utensil side of things nice and simple. A bag is included to make it easy to mix up beverages. A book of waterproof matches is also included. To keep consumers neat and tidy after their meal, napkins and/or toilet paper are included, as well as a moist towelette. Flameless ration heaters are used to bring the temperature of perishable food up to a safe level.

Ration packs need to be able to accommodate individuals' dietary and religious preferences. To this end, it is possible to get Kosher, Halal, and vegetarian MREs. Air crews also have specific needs, such as the need to be able to eat while on the go, without utensils, and in confined spaces. For consumers living and working in extremely cold conditions, where ordinary rations might freeze, even with the FRH, the Meal, Cold Weather relies on freeze-dried food that is reconstituted with water.

Muslims are catered for by special Halal ration packs. These include things that Muslims are allowed to eat according to Islamic law. One of the main prohibitions is eating pork. Halal regulations cover cosmetics and drugs, too.

Pork is also prohibited under Kosher dietary requirements observed by Jewish people. This dates back to Jacob, the patriarch of the twelve Israelite tribes, who damaged his hip joint in an all-night wrestling match with an angel. To this day, Jews avoid eating pork. Both Kosher and Halal regimes have specific regulations concerning the way the animals are slaughtered.

Astronauts and those living aboard the International Space Station have certain dietary challenges to contend with. The two main ones are lack of gravity and confined quarters. For some reason, food loses its flavor in outer space, so food needs to be spicier than on planet earth. You might think that sandwiches would fit the bill for these conditions, but apparently not. Gus Grissom, commander of the Gemini II mission, was gently reprimanded by NASA for smuggling a corned beef sandwich on board.




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