UK troops to get Thai green curry and chicken tikka masala in new ration packs

London, May 13 (ANI): The British Defence Ministry has seen fit to issue troops with a new menu of ration packs based on modern tastes and takeaway dishes such as Thai green curry and chicken tikka masala.

According to sources, the new "rat packs" also include sweet salmon pasta and mixed bean salad and are being trialled by armed forces in Afghanistan.

Lieutenant Commander Neil Horwood, the project manager who oversaw the selection process, watched troops whittle down the choices from 220 items to 20 new menus that cater for all tastes and dietary requirements, including vegetarian, halal, Hindu and Sikh.

Lt Cdr Horwood told The Scotsman: "We were aware that the soldier aged 18 to 25 is brought up with global food tastes. Our food is no longer 'British', it has a multi-cultural profile.

"It is an acknowledgement of the increasing physical demands made on a modern soldier, that more calories are recommended for soldiers serving in places like Afghanistan, where soldiers are carrying heavy loads and operating for long periods in arduous conditions," he added.

Soldiers serving in every climate except the Arctic can use the menus, which come in boxes of three and weigh approximately 6kg.

Individual items are taken out and stored about each soldier's person, according to their tastes. Each ration pack has an 18-month shelf life and includes a mixture of dry foods and boil-in-the-bag pouches, as well as sachets of seasoning and tiny bottles of Tobasco sauce.

Other foodstuffs include sausage and beans, strawberry porridge and Oreo cookies - all nutritionally endorsed by the Surgeon-General.

The new packs were sent to Afghanistan last week. (ANI)