There has been some controversy over the last few years about the legality of purchasing MREs Meals Ready to Eat.
Bottom line: yes, it is legal to purchase them.
Many people were selling MREs on eBay, and continue to do so. In fact, this site is dedicated to showing you how to purchase MREs successfully on eBay, since that is generally the best way to get considerable discounts on these great products.
A few years ago, many eBay sellers who chose to sell MREs Meals Ready to Eat on eBay received notification from the government via eBay contact seller forms to cease and desist selling them.
Ebay takes such notices very seriously, and after careful consideration, has allowed sellers to continue selling MREs.
A couple years after that, the government sent another notice to eBay sellers, basically the same thing, except they were ASKING the sellers to stop selling, not telling them to. But selling continues.
**It is important to note that if you are retired military, you should be able to get MREs at your local commissary. **
If you do intend to buy MREs on eBay (highly suggested) there are a few tips to adhere to in order to make sure that you are getting a good deal.
Buy From a Reputable Seller
Check a seller's feedback and see how long he has been selling MREs. Are there any negatives? Read them to see if the problem was logistical or if it was based on quality.
Check Packed Dates
Make sure the seller is informing you of the packed date and inspection date on the MRE. When properly stored, MREs can have a shelf life of up to 10 years from the packed date.
Ship VIA Ground Shipment NOT USPS
Because of the heaters in the MREs, shipment is not allowed to be made via USPS. Make sure your seller is shipping via ground shipment. If the seller is uninformed of this requirement, question his knowledge of the product he is selling.
There are a lot of companies out there now that are creating civilian MREs much the same way as military issue. The companies that create the military ones themselves are even getting into the act, to provide an alternative to military MREs. You can find these on eBay as well.
Bottom line, it is perfectly acceptable to purchase MREs Meals Ready to Eat on eBay, you usually get a good deal, and there are plenty to choose from.
