Special Forces operations energy expenditure is estimated to be 4,900 kcal per day, however this is seen to be a worst-case scenario. Operational individual rations are designed to be used for a period of 30 days after which supplements of fresh food be given and medical screening for nutritional deficiencies be increased. Menu fatigue To avoid menu fatigue resulting from lack of variety in the ration, all 24-hour operational rations should, at a minimum, include: Main courses (breakfast, lunch, dinner, or unspecified) generally intended to be eaten heated Snacks, savory and sweet (bars, chocolates, caramels, dried meat, nuts, crackers, cookie etc.) Beverages, hot and cold (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, sports drinks, etc.) Spreads (cheese, jam, peanut butter, etc.) and breads. The 21-meal, 7-day menu cycle shall offer sufficient variety to at least allow a soldier to have two different meals each day for a period of 7 days, without repetition, although a breakfast meal and a variety of small snack and beverage items may be repeated. It is recommended that coffee and/or tea be provided for each meal. Serving temperature It is desirable that the main course components and hot beverages be provided with a heater to enable these components to be heated to at least 62 °C from an ambient temperature of 20 °C in maximum 12 minutes. However, main course components or entrées must be consumable without heating. Accessories It is desirable that all necessary equipment to heat and consume an individual ration be included in the ration pack. Every ration or meal shall contain at least a spoon, unless all food items are intended as eat-out-of-hand and do not require any eating utensils for consumption. Water treatment items are not required in the individual ration pack. If any water treatment items are included in the individual ration packs, their primary packaging should clearly mention that these items are for water treatment only (and not for direct consumption). Some rations include a separate bag intended for collection and disposal of packing materials or packaging waste generated from consuming/using the ration components. However, if no separate refuse bag is provided with the ration, some portion of the ration packaging shall be usable or easily adaptable as a means to collect miscellaneous packaging waste that is generated. Food packaging Protective packaging of components or items in a ration that are typically in contact with the product or food items is