ADF rolling out gluten-, dairy-, nut-free and religion-friendly ration packs

The Australian Defence Force is rolling out a range of purpose-designed combat rations to better serve the needs of the ADF and improve combatant effectiveness in the field.

FILE IMAGE: Australian Army soldier load rations on to a G-Wagon during a flood-assist operation. Image digitally altered by CONTACT.

Head Land Systems Major General Andrew Bottrell announced the awarding of the Combat Rations Pack contract to New Zealand-based Prepack Ltd, a proven supplier with over a decade’s experience in supplying high-quality ration packs to the ADF.

“The new contract, valued at more than $200 million, will enable the ADF to roll out a range of Combat Ration Packs (CRP) over the next eight years,” Major General Bottrell said.

“The ration packs are used by Australian troops deployed overseas, on exercise or domestic operations in Australia.

“In addition to the new Combat Ration Packs, there will also be a Universal Ration Pack (URP) which offers a gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free option for cadets and potentially civilians during disaster-relief or humanitarian-assistance missions.

“Continuous innovation will also be undertaken by Defence’s industry partner to facilitate the development of new products for introduction into our ration packs.”

Major General Bottrell said the contract would include, for the first time, meal options to support the diverse cultural and religious needs of our modern Defence Force.

“Defence is committed to encouraging inclusivity and diversity, and these new Combat Rations support the varied cultural and religious needs of our modern Defence Force,” he said.

“When deployed or on exercise, our personnel are generally living in austere and high-stress environments while undertaking significant physical activity.

“These new ration packs will play a vital role in maintaining the dietary requirements and morale of the deployed force.

“The growing range of innovative products in the Combat Ration Packs will support an advanced force for success on the battlefield.”

Defence orders approximately 400,000 ration packs per year.


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Posted by Brian Hartigan

Managing Editor Contact Publishing Pty Ltd PO Box 3091 Minnamurra NSW 2533 AUSTRALIA

20 thoughts on “ADF rolling out gluten-, dairy-, nut-free and religion-friendly ration packs

  • 05/03/2023 at 11:06 am
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    Wok is off tap I you have eating disorders do not join or. IF your religious belief’s are compromised do not join .
    If you have all of above issues stay on home soil and do what you can with out being a burden on a supply chain.

    Reply
  • 02/03/2023 at 1:46 am
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    NZ has for MANY YEARS been buying in bulk from China, repackaging foods and then shipping it to Australia as a product of NZ. We all know how suspect chinese foods are, so what security measures does the ADF have in place ?. To not know that this subterfuge is being carried out by NZ is remiss of the ADF, bar coding sites have been warning of this for some time.

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  • 01/03/2023 at 5:29 pm
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    I guess they must’ve finally run out of the 1950’s 10 man RatPacks they used to give us!!!

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    • 01/03/2023 at 10:16 pm
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      Finally I don’t have to pack 3 months of my own rats in infantry anymore. I’m restricted to plant based foods only on doctors orders. I miss meat so much though.

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    • 02/03/2023 at 1:41 am
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      It’s a well known fact that many food products labelled as “Made IN NZ” are in fact made in China. NZ HAS BEEN DOING THIS SUBTERFUGE FOR MANY YEARS ! It’s all in the bar codes on many regular items that are shipped over the ditch and not in fact a NZ grown product.

      Reply
    • 04/10/2023 at 10:37 am
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      Rat packs used to be made at Scottsdale in Tasmania where DSTO had a purpose built facility.
      Not sure when the system changed.

      Reply
  • 01/03/2023 at 1:08 pm
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    Oh; for shit sake! Just what sort of ‘softies’ does the ADF need?
    I can imagine our genuine Gallipoli, Kokoda and Kapyong & Vietnam vets rolling in their respective resting places over this PC crap!
    Gawd help us all.

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  • 01/03/2023 at 12:27 pm
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    Inclusivity and diversity is killing our ADF and reducing its combat effectiveness. No place for works or snowflakes in the ADF.

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  • 01/03/2023 at 12:24 pm
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    Multiple different rat packs , no I don’t agree, those who have food intolerances shouldn’t be enlisted , in a conflict rations may that suit them may not be available, that could reduce or end their ability to be effective at a crucial time.
    I am all for inclusion, but when it comes to combat effectiveness, and your gluten intolerant, and your special rat packs aren’t available, it reduces the combat effectiveness of a whole section

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    • 05/03/2023 at 10:54 am
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      Absolutely %100 correct

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  • 01/03/2023 at 11:23 am
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    New Zealand I can handle but I wouldn’t have been surprised if it had been Indonesia (remember the boots?) or a chinese company backed by CCP.
    I’m not being political here, The Libs are just as bad. I suspect that this final selection started way back before the Federal election last year. I wonder whats going to happen to our Infantry Fighting Vehicles??

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  • 01/03/2023 at 10:11 am
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    Seriously, if you have any sort of food allergy you shouldn’t be in the ADF. Now, just what happens if one has an allergic reaction to something while in the field after consuming a food item that contains nuts, gluton etc.etc.etc. You not only put yourself at risk but every other individual in your unit as well. Just like someone who has asthma can’t serve because of the ramifications.

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    • 01/03/2023 at 11:07 am
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      Exactly. Next you will not be allowed to use Lethal Force in the Military, getting out of hand in a big way.

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    • 05/03/2023 at 10:57 am
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      As before %100 correct

      Reply
  • 01/03/2023 at 9:58 am
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    Prediction.
    Any issued to units will be returned whenever possible, they will accumulate & then be force issued near the end of a major Ex…like TS
    Rather like the former ‘H’ vegetarian.

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  • 01/03/2023 at 9:51 am
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    Taste free call it the s pack shit

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  • 01/03/2023 at 9:35 am
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    Well gollee Gomer – none of the kids who hang around soldiers in foreign lands will like this tasteless muck

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  • 01/03/2023 at 9:24 am
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    Extroadinary a quality product could not be manfactured to requirements in Australia.

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    • 04/10/2023 at 10:40 am
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      Rat packs used to be made at Scottsdale in Tasmania where DSTO had a purpose built facility.
      Not sure when the system changed.

      Reply

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