Thread: Meals Ready To Eat
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Old 05-27-2009 | 10:28 AM
  #17  
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Winged Wheeler
Libertarian Resistance
 
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Default Miniplenty would be proud
Too long and boring to post--the whole article is available at the link. Read the part that is highlighted. Is nutracuetical newspeak for soylent green?




WW


The Warrior

The MRE replaced the Meal, Combat Individual, which some still refer to as the old “C-Ration,” beginning in 1980...



...From its year of introduction to 1987, the MRE contained such memorable items as: Ham and Chicken Loaf, Smoky Franks (aka “the Five Fingers of Death”), Chicken a la King (or Chicken “a la Death”) and the ever popular freeze dried pork, beef and potato patties. In 1988, eight of the original 12 entrees were replaced with entrees that were slightly more identifiable, to include spaghetti and meat sauce...


...The MRE had the opportunity to go to war in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Unfortunately, the initial feedback on the acceptance of the MRE wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t the four letter words we heard, but the combination of 4-letter words! Gerry Darsch, then chief of the Ration Systems Division, was called to the Pentagon. It was “suggested” by the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Colin Powell, that we explore how to “FIX IT!...

...Memorable moments in the MRE improvement program include: 1992................Hot sauce in every menu;
1993................The Flameless Ration Heater;
1994................Last year for freeze-dried fruit (too expensive);
1996................From 12 to 16 menus and nutritional labeling;
1997................From 16 to 20 menus and beef jerky;
1998................From 20 to 24 menus, to include 4 vegetarian;
1999-2006.......A wide variety of new entrees, starches, candies, desserts, snacks, beverages;
2005................The hot beverage bag;
2006................The ergonomically designed drink pouch for dairy shakes ...



...Did you know that of the 12 original MRE entrees, the last one removed was the Ham Slice – finally replaced by Chicken Tetrazzini in 2000?...


...In the not too distant future, rations will contain naturally occurring constituents such as probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria such as those found in yogurt, and, nutraceuticals, which are small nutritional organic molecules. It is anticipated that these constituents will provide improved nutrition, cognitive and physical performance enhancement using novel nutrient delivery systems, e.g. buccal (between the cheek and gum) delivery of nutrients based on scientifically proven studies.
Rations will be packaged using polymeric films relying on nanotechnology and contain enticing aroma emitting films. These will enhance consumption as well as protect and maintain extended shelf life to insure wholesomeness and safety. New food processing methods such as high pressure processing, pulsed electric field, and microwave sterilization will bring more variety and components with higher quality than those processed today via thermostabilization.
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