Tailored Operational Training Meals - TOTM (MRE) - Lot of 4 Meals

Description

MRE Lot of 4 Tailored Operational Training Meals (TOTM)
**Please see my notes on MRE longevity and expiration below.**
Here is a lot of four Tailored Operational Training Meals. These are smaller versions of the standard MRE meals with fewer items in each meal.
Two - Chili & Macaroni
One - Pasta with Vegetables in Tomato Sauce
One - Cheese Tortellini in Tomato Sauce
All components have 3xxx date codes and are 2013 production.
SOME NOTES ON MRE EXPIRATION, LONGEVITY AND MY EXPERIENCES
The government established an expiration table based on some criteria, not really sure what that was, but set a 7 -year maximum. The Heat Stabilized Retort Packaging process in theory has no expiration. For longevity, all MRE components should be stored in a cool and dry area, 60 degrees or cooler.  As long as the packages are sealed and exhibit no swelling the food product inside is edible and nutritious.
My extensive experience backs up this theory. I’ve been eating MRE’s since they were introduced in 1981. Since the mid 1980’s I have routinely used MRE’s for camping, hunting and for quick and easy meals. In the past year I have been consuming more MRE’s than in the past. This past year I have been eating MRE’s as old as 2003 vintage from my stored supplies. I am vigilant in inspecting the MRE components for any issues of packaging integrity and signs of swelling and on occasion find a compromised component. Otherwise, I have had no issues with “expired” product. Some components fair better than others, the cheese spreads and applesauce can visibly darken with age upon opening, but are edible.
The most extreme sample I’ve tested was in 2011. A friend had a partial case of 1981 MRE’s that were stored in his garage for several decades cycling from freezing in the Winter and high heat in the Summer. These MRE’s were 30 years old and could not possibly be any good, or so my friend thought. I opened and inspected all the components of a Menu #11 bag. The ham slices were juicy and tasty, just as I remembered them. The freeze dried fruit rehydrated ok, but was lacking the sweetness (I mixed in a little honey and it was very good, one of my tricks). The orange nut cake was as fresh and tasty as I remembered. The crackers had lost a little crispness, but the saltiness made up for that. The cheese spread was very dark upon opening, but tasted ok. Finally the cocoa was a fine treat to cap off my meal. I  WAS shocked myself at how well this MRE held up being 30 years old!