Curry Chicken Biryani Takes Center Stage in Singapore’s Ready-to-Eat Meal Plan for National Emergencies

Singapore's SATS Ltd developed ready-to-eat meals for emergencies. These meals last 8 months, need no refrigeration, and will be tested in Exercise SG Ready.

Curry Chicken Biryani Takes Center Stage in Singapore’s Ready-to-Eat Meal Plan for National Emergencies

Source : Canva

A Singapore-based company, SATS Ltd, has created ready-to-eat meals to help people during emergencies. These meals do not need to be kept in a fridge, can be eaten without heating, and stay fresh for up to eight months. The five meal choices are curry chicken with biryani rice, chicken bolognese pasta, fish porridge with sweet potato and pumpkin, sweet spicy tomato fish with basmati rice, and vegetable marinara pasta. These meals are made in a SATS halal-certified kitchen in Singapore.

“As with any ambient product, we have to do a real-time shelf-life study … once we are assured of the quality, then we launch the commercial production,” said Jean Sin, head of innovation and product development at SATS.

Part of Exercise SG Ready

About 150,000 of these meals will be given out from February 15 to February 28 during this year’s Exercise SG Ready. This event is part of Singapore's Total Defence campaign, which helps people prepare for emergencies like power outages and food shortages. More than 100,000 students and teachers from over 90 schools, three Institute of Technical Education colleges, and over 8,000 seniors from 111 Active Ageing Centres will get to try these meals.

This initiative allows participants to understand how emergency food supplies work and how important it is to be prepared for sudden disruptions. The meals will be distributed at designated locations across the country, ensuring that people from different age groups and backgrounds get to experience them.

Taste and Nutrition

People often think long-lasting food does not taste good, but a taste test showed that these meals are enjoyable. A journalist from CNA said the meals were "surprisingly appealing," with strong flavors in the tomato pasta and chicken curry. The meals also had a fresh texture, with the chicken, fish, and rice feeling natural to eat. “They did not, in fact, taste like the army combat rations that this journalist had his fair share of during National Service,” the journalist added.

Jean Sin said the meals provide important nutrients, including carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and fat. This ensures that people get enough energy and nourishment, even in difficult situations. The meals are also suitable for different dietary preferences, with a vegetarian option available. People can eat them as they are, or heat them using a microwave, oven, or by putting the package in hot water.

How the Meals Are Made

The ingredients are chosen carefully, with SATS working with local farmers to get vegetables and mushrooms. The tilapia fish used in the meals also comes from local sources. However, leafy greens are not included because they do not stay fresh for long. Once the meals are cooked, they go through a sterilization process using a retort machine, which helps kill harmful bacteria. This is a widely used method in the food industry to keep packaged meals safe for a long time. Different meals need different heating methods to keep them safe and tasty.

No additives or preservatives are added, Sin said. This makes the meals a healthier option compared to many other long-shelf-life food products. The packaging is also carefully tested to make sure it stays sealed and safe. Leak tests ensure that no air or bacteria get inside, and sample batches are sent to a food safety lab before being released. SATS did not share the cost of each meal or how many it can make each day. However, given their expertise in large-scale food production, it is expected that they can produce a significant number of meals daily.

Different from Army Rations

These ready-to-eat meals are similar to army combat rations, which many Singaporean soldiers have eaten before. However, there are some important differences.
Army rations need to be packed differently because they are often airdropped or carried by soldiers in extreme conditions. They also contain higher calories to meet the energy needs of soldiers in the field.
One key difference is the packaging. Army rations come in opaque pouches that keep them fresh for 24 months, while these meals have clear packaging. This means they must be stored away from sunlight to prevent discoloration.
“When we distribute the meals, we give very clear storage conditions: a clean environment, away from sunlight, in an ambient storage area less than 30 degrees,” Sin said.

Helping with Food Security

The Singapore Food Agency worked with SATS on this project and said these meals can help ensure people have food during emergencies. “These meals are shelf-stable and are convenient as they require minimal preparation before consumption,” it said. The agency also encouraged people to be flexible with their food choices, like choosing frozen instead of fresh food or keeping canned food at home. Households should store enough food to last up to two weeks, it advised. By encouraging households to plan ahead, the government aims to reduce panic-buying during crises. Simple steps like having extra rice, canned food, or frozen meat at home can make a big difference in an emergency.

What This Means for Singapore

With Exercise SG Ready now underway, Singaporeans will see firsthand how these meals can help in emergencies. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that the country is prepared for any unexpected situation, whether it is a natural disaster, a pandemic, or a supply chain disruption.
By investing in emergency food options, Singapore is taking proactive steps to protect its citizens and maintain stability even in uncertain times. The collaboration between SATS and the Singapore Food Agency shows the importance of innovation and preparation in ensuring food security.