How long are "MRE's" good for?

Question

I have 2 boxes of "Meals Ready-To-Eat's... the boxes have "DATE PKD/LOT: 1306" and "INSP/TEST: 11/04 0442"

So I'm thinking that they were supposed to be reinspected in November '04, correct? If thats true, how long can that date be extended after a proper "inspection"?

Answer 1

That depends on the storage of the MRE's. Those stored in lower temperatures generally have a longer shelf life than those stored in warmer temps. For instance, those stored at 85 degrees are generally good for five years, those stored at 60 degrees are good for more than ten years.

By the way, after serving for 15 years in the Army, I can say without a doubt that MRE's can be made to taste good if they are properly prepared.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

This has answered my question. The boxes of garbage MRE's from Hurricane Ike will be promptly thrown into the trashcan for Wednesday's haul. I should have known. Peace

Answer 4

typically Meals ready to eat (MRE) shelf like can last from 5 years to 10 years. Time and temperature have a cumulative effect

Answer 5

Don't know about MREs, way after my time.
But I was once served a meal of "K"rations dated 1943 at Ft Hood Texas that I swear was 50% pine sawdust mixed with 50% cascara sawdust.
For those that don't know what cascara is,,,,,, think Ex-lax

http://www.ww2rationtechnologies.com/kratacc.jpg

.

Answer 6

a long freakin time. I've hear that they're good for 20 years. My favorite part of MREs is getting the candy with expired contests.

Answer 7

When i was a kid my dad somehow aquired a whole box of MREs that we used to take camping. It seems we ate on those for about 4 years or more. But seriously, can they taste worse?

Answer 8

nahhhh... the tiny tabasco bottles are the best...or how bout the heaters that heat the food just to luke warm. They are rated for 5 years. They can be kept up to ten in 60F. However, they never really go "bad". They'll just taste more stale than they already do.

Answer 9

Minimum of 3.5 years stored at 80 degrees fahrenheit.

Answer 10

I think that MRE's are good at least 5 years, and maybe indefinately, judging by the way they are packaged.