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State Department: expired emergency rations to be destroyed; represent a small share of annual U.S. food aid
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Summary
A State Department spokesperson said the 500 metric tons of high-energy biscuits that expired in a Middle East warehouse represent less than 1% of the roughly 1,000,000 metric tons of U.S. food aid distributed annually; officials said expired items will be destroyed if unsafe and that an internal review of storage systems is underway.
At a State Department briefing, a spokesperson addressed media reports that 500 metric tons of high-energy biscuits (HEBs) stored in a Middle East warehouse had expired.
"If something is, expired, we'll we will destroy it," the spokesperson said, adding that the primary question is whether items are safe to distribute. The spokesperson said the United States distributes roughly 1,000,000 metric tons of food aid annually and that the 500 metric tons in question represent less than 1% of that total.
Why it matters: the expired rations have drawn scrutiny over logistics and stewardship of humanitarian stockpiles. The department said it stores some food as emergency reserves at regional warehouses for rapid response and that items held for emergencies are not routinely distributed unless an emergency arises.
The spokesperson compared emergency stockpiles to holding spare batteries: items are stored for contingencies and may need disposal and replenishment if not used before expiration. The State Department said it will "look into" warehouse expiration dates and systems and will provide further information; Deputy Secretary DMR Bridal (as referenced at the briefing) had described the situation on Capitol Hill as "distressing," the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson also said that accusations that pauses in aid by USAID explain the expirations are incorrect, and that the department is conducting a review of systems to improve efficiency and reduce waste while continuing large-scale food assistance.
Actions described included destruction of unsafe expired items and systemwide review; the spokesperson said the United States remains the "largest giver of aid" and will continue food assistance in a reformed and more efficient manner.
