The Legal Distinction: Military vs. Civilian MREs
The most important detail to understand is that not all "MREs" are the same. A key distinction exists between genuine U.S. military-issue Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs) and their civilian counterparts. The legal status of your purchase hinges entirely on which version you are acquiring.
Why Military MREs are Off-Limits
Official military MREs are procured using taxpayer dollars and remain U.S. government property until they are consumed by authorized personnel or properly disposed of. Cases and individual meal bags are often clearly marked with a disclaimer stating, "U.S. GOVERNMENT PROPERTY, COMMERCIAL RESALE IS UNLAWFUL". When these items appear for sale on auction sites like eBay or in surplus stores, they have been misappropriated or sold illegally.
While prosecution for an individual buyer is unlikely, purchasing military-issued MREs poses several significant risks:
- Legal Ambiguity: You are knowingly buying stolen government property, which opens the door to potential, though rare, legal repercussions.
- Quality Control: The military maintains strict storage and inspection standards for its MREs. Those sold on the black market or online are often expired and may have been stored improperly in hot, humid conditions, compromising their safety and quality.
- Unknown Condition: You have no way of knowing how the MRE was handled, leading to potential food spoilage and health risks.
- Inconsistent Components: Sellers may remove certain items, such as the Flameless Ration Heater (FRH) or candy, to avoid shipping hazardous materials or simply to resell them separately.
The Legal and Safe Alternative: Civilian MREs
Since the early 2000s, manufacturers who supply the military have also produced versions of MREs specifically for the civilian market. These products are legally sold and are a safe and reliable option for emergency kits, camping, or hiking. Civilian MREs are often nearly identical in content and nutritional value to their military counterparts, though they may have slightly different components or packaging.
Reliable Sources for Civilian MREs:
- Reputable Online Retailers: Many online stores specialize in emergency and outdoor food. Look for those with clear information on packaging dates and proper storage practices.
- Manufacturer Websites: You can often buy directly from the companies that manufacture both military and civilian rations, such as Ameriqual (APack), Sopakco (Sure-Pak), and MREStar.
- Local Surplus Stores: Reputable Army/Navy surplus stores often carry legally sourced civilian MREs, providing a way to purchase them in person.
A Tale of Two Rations: A Comparison
| Feature | Military-Issued MRE | Civilian-Equivalent MRE |
|---|---|---|
| Legality | Illegal for commercial resale; government property. | Fully legal to purchase and own. |
| Availability | Available via dubious online auctions and illicit channels. | Widely available from legitimate manufacturers and retailers. |
| Sourcing | Typically obtained through unauthorized channels, raising ethical concerns. | Sourced directly and legally from manufacturers or authorized dealers. |
| Quality Control | Controlled by military standards, but compromised when resold illegally. | Guaranteed quality by the manufacturer with proper shelf-life information. |
| Included Heaters | Contain Flameless Ration Heaters (FRH), but shipping is restricted. | May or may not contain FRHs; check product details. |
| Shelf Life | Often expired or improperly stored when sold illegally. | Freshly manufactured with clear expiration or inspection dates. |
Are MREs Legal to Buy? The Bottom Line
To be clear, it is perfectly legal for civilians to purchase and own MREs, provided they are buying the civilian version from a legal and reputable source. The issue arises only when acquiring MREs that are labeled as U.S. government property and are technically stolen goods. By choosing civilian-market MREs, you ensure product quality, avoid legal complications, and support authorized businesses.
For those interested in emergency preparedness, exploring civilian MREs is the safest and most reliable route. Numerous brands offer high-quality, long-lasting rations that meet or exceed the nutritional standards of their military counterparts. Always check product listings carefully for sourcing information and avoid any seller that markets their products as official U.S. government military rations.
MREInfo.com provides a wealth of information on civilian MRE products, helping you make an informed decision for your emergency food storage needs.
Potential Risks of Unlawfully Acquired MREs
Beyond the legal and ethical concerns, buying illegally sourced MREs carries practical risks that could jeopardize your health and safety. The conditions under which these rations are stored and sold are unregulated. They may have been exposed to high temperatures for extended periods, severely degrading the food's quality and shelf life. The presence of botulism is a rare but real danger with improperly stored canned goods, and while MREs are sealed, mishandling can compromise their integrity. Additionally, components like the Flameless Ration Heaters (FRHs) are regulated as hazardous materials and are often removed by sellers, leaving you with an incomplete and less useful product.
Conclusion
In short, if you are asking are MREs legal to buy, the answer for civilians is an emphatic yes, with a critical distinction. It is legal to purchase MRE-style rations manufactured and sold commercially for the public. It is, however, technically illegal and ethically questionable to purchase genuine, U.S. government-stamped military MREs from unauthorized sellers, as these are government property. For reliable, safe, and quality-assured emergency food, always opt for civilian-market MREs from trustworthy retailers. This ensures you are prepared without exposing yourself to legal risk or compromising on the quality of your food supply.
