What does test date on mre mean

This is called a Julian date code but they only use a single digit for the year. The first digit is the year it was manufactured. The remaining 3 digits are the day of the year counting from 1 and running up to For example if you had a stamp date of then it was manufactured on June 27, Technically speaking, it is illegal to sell military MREs to civilians for several reasons.

However, you might still find a few listings on eBay and other similar websites. But even though the selling of military MREs is technically illegal, donating them is almost entirely unregulated except if the meal is expired.

With that said, you can ask a relief agency or go to an organization such as the Salvation Army to see if they have any supplies left. Both are made with the same packaging process and sterilization methods. Military and civilian MREs lack any dubious or toxic preservatives. One more place where you could theoretically buy MREs is from a collector.

Next off, it is wiser to buy an entire case of MREs, as doing so will save you the most money. Look at the expiration date and other signs of package wear and tear. Bad signs include swellness, discoloration of the can, and foul smells coming from inside. If the situation is an emergency , having something to eat could be much more important to you than how it tastes.

Even so, you can feel free to replace your MREs whenever you think the time is right, be that right at five years or after. Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Manufacture Dates Unlike most other food products , MREs do not come with a printed-on expiration date. This is a question that pops up from time to time in prepper discussion forums. Preparedness Mama and its collaborators have created a one-stop shop of critical resources for families looking to prepare for disaster.

We know firsthand that getting ready for the worst with a big family poses some particular challenges. A typical case will have both a packed date and an inspection date.

The inspection date on MREs is usually three years after the packed date. Everything from entrees, crackers, peanut butter, accessory packs, etc. If you can open up your MRE, you should be able to figure out how old each piece is.