MRE Question--Do the really expire?

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ratski

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I know it will look like it, but this isn't related to the current crisis.

I have been cleaning some areas in my office.
I have a couple of cases of MREs that I have had sitting around for a while.

I think, emphasis on think, that the dates on the outside are 08 and 12.

So, how long are these things really good for?

I'd sell them, but not if they are too far gone.

Dave
 

RedHawk357Mag

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They go bad. If they were keep cool, they will last longer. They're either still good or they are not. Once the vacuum seal goes there is no doubt about what it identifies with. Heat and rodents will definitely affect shelf life.

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ratski

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They go bad. If they were keep cool, they will last longer. They're either still good or they are not. Once the vacuum seal goes there is no doubt about what it identifies with. Heat and rodents will definitely affect shelf life.

Well, they have been stored inside in my office. Climate controlled basically. No heat or moisture.
 

Fyrtwuck

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IIRC, there should be an indicator type sticker on the outside of the case. I don’t remember the color (s) to indicate they are bad.
 

Dumpstick

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I don't know about MREs.
What I do know, when I was in Basic Training we went on a training bivouac for several days. The C-rats we were issued were almost 30 years old.

When there ain't nothing else, they tasted fine.

And, as the Drill Sergeant stated ' You don't have to like it, it just has to make a turd"
 

RedHawk357Mag

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Your storage may not have been the same as the storage of the folks that had them before you. If the main meals are still sealed and vacuum package is still holding on packages inside they will probably be ok. If they have lost vacuum seal there is usually no doubt that they are bad. Moisture inside the bag makes a nasty smell that will make you pause. The crackers will be good until the second coming. I would keep them just incase. You might be able to get something useful till the UN guys come rescue you. Just me though, alot of bad things have come to pass before I saddle up to that trough again. Not saying I wouldn't but it would be a few days before I would weld the plastic brown spoon again.

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