Heating RCIR On Open Flame, Toxic?

Discussions about rations from other countries - IMPs, EPAs, RCIRs, etc.
Post Reply
Woozer
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Apr 01, 2021 9:28 pm

Heating RCIR On Open Flame, Toxic?

Post by Woozer » Thu Jun 03, 2021 1:38 pm

Hello everyone,

I love and frequently eat French RCIRs and my usual method for heating them is directly from the tin. However, I realized that cans often have a protective coating that can leech toxins and carcinogenic material when exposed to high heat. Is there anyone who would know if RCIRs are safe to heat and consume from the tin in the long run, or if these tins don’t have these sorts of coatings?

I don't know if there are any variations in the canning process in the EU, but I can't imagine that the French would want to give their troops cancer (through the food, at least). I know they come with stoves and all that, but I still can't shake the fear of it out of my mind.

User avatar
MrFahrenheit
Posts: 126
Joined: Thu Jun 18, 2009 5:38 pm
eBay name: Nomad2k3
Location: Whitehaven, Cumbria, UK

Re: Heating RCIR On Open Flame, Toxic?

Post by MrFahrenheit » Sat Jun 05, 2021 2:02 am

Firstly, welcome to the forums :wink:

Tbh I'm not sure of the specifics, but I know most cans are heated during production to a certain temp to kill of bacteria as part of the canning process.

I'm also not a fan of heating them over a naked flame so I use a mess tin with a bit of water in them and lay the cans in that, I also only crack the seal a little rathar than open the lid fully to retain heat, there's no scorching and more controlled heat.
It maybe takes a little longer but offers safer better results since you won't be taking the can over any temp it hasn't already been up to during manufacturing.
I came, I saw, I ate some rations then fell asleep amongst the clover.

Woozer
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Apr 01, 2021 9:28 pm

Re: Heating RCIR On Open Flame, Toxic?

Post by Woozer » Mon Jun 07, 2021 4:50 pm

MrFahrenheit wrote:
Sat Jun 05, 2021 2:02 am
Hello, happy to be on board!

See, I knew I could boil/heat them in water, but nothing beats the flavor of cooking it on direct heat. I guess I can just bring a canteen cup stove or something to heat it outside of the tin if I'm nervous about it.

Thank you!

User avatar
housil
Moderator
Posts: 5604
Joined: Tue Oct 24, 2006 7:04 am
Location: Germany, Bavaria
Contact:

Re: Heating RCIR On Open Flame, Toxic?

Post by housil » Tue Jun 08, 2021 7:34 am

When limited on water, heating tinned rations in a canteen of water may be kind of "luxury" :mrgreen:
I also like to heat the cans right on the stove.

Woozer
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Apr 01, 2021 9:28 pm

Re: Heating RCIR On Open Flame, Toxic?

Post by Woozer » Fri Jun 11, 2021 12:52 am

housil wrote:
Tue Jun 08, 2021 7:34 am
I also like to heat the cans right on the stove.
:D

They taste way better that way. I don't think I'll stop heating them directly from the tin, but I'll switch to cooking them in a separate container every so often.

ViperGTS
Posts: 713
Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2018 7:43 pm
Location: Connecticut, USA

Re: Heating RCIR On Open Flame, Toxic?

Post by ViperGTS » Tue Jun 29, 2021 12:24 am

Welcome!

I just crack the lid a bit and use open flame... I'm still alive

User avatar
Dekard
Posts: 372
Joined: Wed Dec 14, 2005 12:47 am
Location: Bermuda Shorts

Re: Heating RCIR On Open Flame, Toxic?

Post by Dekard » Fri Jul 02, 2021 12:33 pm


User avatar
MrFahrenheit
Posts: 126
Joined: Thu Jun 18, 2009 5:38 pm
eBay name: Nomad2k3
Location: Whitehaven, Cumbria, UK

Re: Heating RCIR On Open Flame, Toxic?

Post by MrFahrenheit » Sun Jul 25, 2021 3:12 pm

housil wrote:
Tue Jun 08, 2021 7:34 am
When limited on water, heating tinned rations in a canteen of water may be kind of "luxury" :mrgreen:
I also like to heat the cans right on the stove.
AHH, water is no problem for me, I live in the Lakes district of UK where it rains a lot 😉😁
I came, I saw, I ate some rations then fell asleep amongst the clover.

Post Reply