• Definitely! But be aware that extremes in temperature are to be avoided. For example, The inside of a car in summer can reach +30°C (+87°F). Such a high temperature could affect the quality of the meal. No bacteria would enter the pouch but the heat activates enzymes present in the food itself. We suggest that, in both summer and winter, you keep your HOT PACKŪ meals in a insulated container.

How can I use the water sachet if it freezes?

• Put the water sachet in your hands or near your body to melt some of the water. Even if the total content (40 ml = 1.5 oz.) is not totally melted, add it to the heater sleeve. The heater will start generating heat and will melt the rest.

Is the water provided special?

• No! It is ordinary tap water that has not been sterilized and therefore, is not for drinking. The only special thing about it is that it has been measured to 40 ml (1.5 oz.) to activate the heater. Too much water would hinder the heating process as would too little water.

Can I use HOT PACKŪ anywhere?

• Yes! But always use in a well ventilated area because there is a minute amount of hydrogen given off with the steam. Hydrogen displaces oxygen.

Will there be other recipes available?

• Yes! As the demand increases, we will introduce other recipes.

Can I store this box anywhere?

• In a dry area and at normal room temperature. Do not crush the box as you could damage the food pouch and would certainly crush the Styrofoam plate.

Do I open the food pouch before I add it to the sleeve?

• No! Definitely not.

When I was out in the cold and I activated the heater as shown, I noticed that the food did not heat up as much as when I tried the same process in the house. Why?

• The meal will reach 83°C (178°F) from ambient temperature. When the food is stored in a very cold area, you might consider placing it between layers of clothes to keep it protected from the elements or, if you are outdoors, place it inside your jacket 30 minutes or so prior to activating the heater. If the food is frozen, it is best to use a heater to defrost and another to heat the meal.

Are there any toxic elements to the product?

• No!

Is the product recyclable?

• Yes. All the components of HOT PACKŪ self-heating meals are recyclable. They are not, however, biodegradable.

I do a lot of backpacking and find the packaging bulky and heavy. Are you planning to change your packaging for that market?

• For those who consider total weight of a product is important, our packaging can be easily modified by eliminating the plate, eating kit, water sachet and carrying only the meal, heater and flattened box. Please note that we do recommend that a box be used because it acts as a small oven keeping the heat in a confined space and protects the user from getting burnt. It does get very hot.

When was the product introduced in Canada?

• The concept and product was introduced in Canada in October 1995 by a Canadian company called Canland. Canland has been incorporated and is now known as Hot Pack Enterprises Inc.
• The food pouch technology has been used for some years in Canada as well as a number of other countries.
• The heater is a fairly recent technology and is used extensively by the American military and, recently, by the Canadian and UK military.

Are the meals available without the heaters?

• In Canada, the meals, in pouches only, are not readily available for retail sales. Arrangements can be made for groups who are interested in obtaining the meals in bulk but, keep in mind, these can not be resold because they do not have labelling approval from the Canadian Government.

• In the USA, at the present time, the meals are available only in a complete kit. If the demand warrants it, we could work on a special packaging to allow it to be sold as a meal only.

Is HOT PACKŪ self-heating meals available in other countries?

• In September 1996, it was introduced in the UK. The concept and the name is the same but because of government regulations on meat products, the product is manufactured in England.

• In April 1997, the product was launched in the United States. The product is made in Canada and has received USDA approval (FDA deal with non-meat products, USDA deal with meat-based products).

• In September 1998, HOT PACKŪ was launched in Australia and New Zealand.
   
• Many countries are interested in this unique product. Availability in other countries is dependent on the regulations regarding exporting food items to these countries.

Who uses HOT PACKŪ self-heating meals?

• The question today is who does not use it. A few examples of Canadian users follow:

Ministries of Natural Resources (Forest Fire/Parks) such as Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, etc.

CCG (Canadian Coast Guard)

R.C.M.P. (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) for operations in the field including patrolling in remote areas, snowmobile tracking, tactical, covert operations, special events (parades, etc.), search and rescue and so on.

Police Detachments for in-prisoner feeding, tactical/emergency response, covert operations, etc.

Fire Departments for on-site crew feeding.

O.P.P. (Ontario Provincial Police) for various police activities as mentioned above.

SAR (Search and Rescue) groups for feeding of participants as well as victims.

EP (Emergency Preparedness) Groups for emergency feeding.

Companies such as Utilities, Transport, Road Repair Crews, Logging, Mining, etc.

Survival Companies to include in survival kits.

Sports Enthusiasts (Fishing, Hunting, Climbing, Skiing, Snowmobiling, Boating, Sailing, etc.)

 What are special circumstances that would benefit a person in using HOT PACKŪ?

• You are in one of the major parks and there is a fire hazard warning.
  You want to camp and have a hot meal but are not allowed to start any fire.

• You are in a sailboat going on a long journey and you have the night watch. You are hungry and cold.

• You are fishing in a great spot and do not wish to move but hunger pangs are making concentration very difficult.

• Every home should have an emergency supply for power outages during storms, etc.

Disclaimer

The information, data and recommendations contained herein are believed to be correct at the time of printing.

All materials and mixtures may present unknown hazards and should be used with caution. When necessary or appropriate, independent opinions regarding the risk of handling or exposure should be obtained from trained professionals.