Let me spell it out for you in terms you can understand: TSA policy does not prohibit MREs. The meals, utensils and other similar items are allowed inside carry-on and checked baggage. MREs still sealed in the manufacturer's original packaging are allowed inside checked baggage and will not be confiscated or disturbed per TSA policy. Opened MREs are subject to inspection and the most common items removed are matches and the MRE heating element. The rest of the MRE is not prohibited. At the checkpoint, MREs are allowed as long as the heating element is removed and disposed of properly. Otherwise, they must be placed in checked baggage still sealed or minus the heating element and matches if the seal is broken. Read the warning label on the outside of the MRE packet: it advises that the heating element must be removed if transported via commercial aircraft. TSA makes the exception to this warning by allowing MREs still sealed in the original packaging to be transported.

The title of this post accuses TSA of prohibiting MREs (erroneously referred to as c-rations) as a matter of policy. TSA policy does not prohibit MREs. What you and I don't know is if the screener explained the options to cabingirl's fiance for properly disposing of the MRE heating element (as I explained above) OR if this was a matter of a screener doing his or her job incorrectly. If it's the latter, shame on that screener and shame on that screening checkpoint supervisor for not training his/her screeners on the correct procedure. But as far as TSA policy goes, it's pretty clear to me, hopefully to you as well, of what is and what isn't allowed.