Now, halal, Sikh and Hindu diet for UK troops in Afghanistan

London, Feb.6 (ANI): A new ration system for British troopers with 20 different menus, plus six new ones for vegetarians, aimed at meeting Halal, Sikh and Hindu dietary requirements, will place the usual fare of corned beef hash firmly into the history books and museums.

Bully beef, the cornerstone of the British Army for more than a century, is to be replaced by mushroom pasta and halal dishes. A new varied menu will be designed to counter the boiling temperatures of Helmand and a more multi-cultural military, reports The Telegraph.

While some hardened veterans may shed a tear at the passing of their beloved bully beef (apparently out-voted by their juniors) all will welcome the long overdue decision to throw out chocolate.

Since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, troops have been bemused by the decision to continue packing their 24 hour ration packs with bars of chocolate that regularly melt and explode inside the pack's cardboard box leaving a sticky mess that coats other rations.

Instead the bland tasting chocolate has been replaced by goodies such as Oreo cookies, chocolate chip cake and energy bars.

British troops will now be able to boast Shrewsbury and Ginger biscuits, muesli and dried fruits when they swap food with American or Danish counterparts in Helmand.

Quentin Davies, the Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, said: "One of the most important requirements is to provide increased variety to troops operating for long periods on rations, which will help reduce menu fatigue. These new menus have been developed to meet the needs of service personnel operating in the extreme climates of Afghanistan and Iraq, providing them with a wider range of nutritionally balanced meals." (ANI)