lundi 8 juillet 2013

The Multiple Uses Of Halal Rations

By Leanna Freeman


There are many occasions in which Halal rations might be required. These days they can be used by the military, and can also be used as a camping or backpacking resource. During humanitarian crises they are particularly helpful for feeding Muslims affected by drought or warfare. The meals themselves are prepared according to their religious customs and beliefs.

The major thing to note is that these foods, if they have been made to the correct standards, will contain no alcohol and will have been made with kitchen equipment that is thoroughly clean and has no trace of anything non-Halal. Of course, the meat in these meals has to have been slaughtered in the appropriate way too.

There are some popular misconceptions about food and one of them is that if a food is Kosher then it should be no problem serving it to a Muslim. The trouble with this notion is that some Kosher foods have alcohol as well as flavors and colors, like gelatin, that are forbidden in Halal food. Moreover, the Kosher way of slaughtering meat differs from that of the Halal way.

The military have embraced the use of rations, which are sometimes known by the term MRE, which is short for Meal Ready to Eat. The name explains exactly what the product is: portions of food that can be eaten on the go straight from the packaging and without any need for heating. It includes a complete meal with side dishes, drink and a snack. Although the meal can be eaten cold, many personnel actually leave them out in the sun to warm up or else just place them on the hot engine of a vehicle for around ten minutes.

Because the portions are fairly light they can be carried around the battlefield with relative ease. It's this aspect that makes them almost ideal for the camper or hiker, as they won't take up a huge amount of space and can be transported long distances on foot.

In the USA and the UK, the army have a lot of experience with special types of food. They serve meals in the dining hall and cater for many different needs, both religious and non-religious. Out in the field is a little different, as the rations have to be sent, therefore a list of every soldier and their requirements is a must.

Because of the way they are packaged, the food portions usually last around six months and often do not contain preservatives. The average calorie count in a meal is around 1200, and they are designed to give the soldier the nutrition they need for many hours. The advantage of each meal being prepacked is that there is no risk of cross-contamination with food that has been prepared in a non-Halal way.

You do not have to be a Muslim to enjoy Halal rations. If you are a backpacker or a camper and are after a lightweight product, one that can be eaten hot or cold, then these may be the thing to choose. But if you are a Muslim, you should be comforted by the knowledge that they are prepared to the high standards that the Islamic religion expects.




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