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Friday September 22, 2000

Non-carnivorous combatants win cuisine battle

JERUSALEM (JPS) -- Combat soldiers will now have the option of dining on vegetarian fare instead of the traditional mess hall of
This month, the nutrition division of the Israeli Defense introduced vegetarian battle rations on an experimental basis, followi

Unlike traditional battle rations, designed to be shared by four combatants -- the number of soldiers in an infantry squad, or a tank -- vegetarians will have individual portions. The IDF did not say whether it examined the social implications of such a move.

But vegetarians aren't the only ones who will benefit from the battle rations revamp.

Plans for future changes include replacing the much-reviled "loof" (kosher Spam) with meat products somewhat closer to their natural state and using ready-to-eat meals variety popular with U.S. forces. The IDF is also seeking to extend battle rations' shelf life from three to 10 years.

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