Now including halal and kosher options: MoD approves updated technical specification for field rations

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has approved an updated technical specification for daily field ration sets. Now, alongside regular rations, halal and kosher options can be procured for the military. This initiative aims to improve the dietary options for military personnel, ensuring alignment with their religious needs.

Halal field rations are tailored to meet the dietary requirements of service members adhering to Islamic dietary laws. Kosher field rations are formulated to meet kashrut requirements for service members observing Jewish dietary laws.

Each field ration pack comprises three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and includes:

• First-grade wheat flour hardtacks
• Dried bread (rusks) made from first-grade wheat flour or coarse wholemeal rye flour
• Ready-to-eat first course (borscht with meat or assorted meat-based soups)
• Ready-to-eat main course (porridge with meat or assorted vegetables with meat)
• Instant coffee
• Tea
• Sugar
• Natural honey
• Fruit jam (assorted)
• Ground black pepper
• Salt
• Disposable plastic spoon
• Paper napkin
• Hygienic wet wipe

Depending on the ration type (standard, halal, or kosher), first courses may include borscht with beef or soups with pork, chicken, lamb, or beef. Accordingly, the selection of main courses includes a variety of porridges with pork, beef, lamb, chicken, and more.  

The updated specifications consider not only religious compliance but also rigorous requirements for product quality and nutritional value. Furthermore, ready-to-eat first and main courses should be packed in retort pouches, a contemporary packaging solution that provides long-term storage capability. 

“Retort pouch technology preserves the taste and nutritional quality of meals without the need for special storage conditions – a critical advantage for service members on the front lines,” added Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Kaiola, Head of the Main Directorate of Logistics Support Development.

Key elements of the specifications:

• Products in halal field rations must comply with Islamic dietary standards (Halal standard) and be certified by an accredited body authorized to conduct food certification in Ukraine or Arab-Muslim countries.
• Products in kosher field rations must comply with kashrut requirements. Important note: All food products included in kosher field rations must be free from ingredients or additives prohibited by kashrut.
• Ease of use and quick preparation in battlefield conditions have also been taken into account.
• All food products comply with the safety and quality standards established by Ukrainian law.

The Ministry of Defence remains committed to enhancing conditions for all service members, irrespective of their religion, to provide the highest standards of support both at the front and in the rear.

In the near future, the State Operator for Non-Lethal Acquisition (DOT), the Ministry of Defence's procurement agency, plans to announce a tender for an additional batch of field rations, which will now include halal and kosher options in accordance with the updated technical specifications.