I ordered this product based on the picture and description, which shows Sure Pak's most recent packaging style. When I opened the shipping box, I was deeply disappointed to see an outer box in Sure Pak's much older white/green/yellow color scheme. I checked the bottom of the box and found two Julian date codes: 8123 and 0146. Unsure of which of the two codes was a maunfacture date, I contacted the manufacturer directly to confirm whether this box was manufactured on the 123rd day of 2008 or the 146th day of 2010. The manufacturer confirmed my fears: based on the color of the packaging this box of MREs was manufactured in 2008. Even the email from the manufacturer referred to this packaging as "very old."This means that, given a five year shelf life as suggested in the product description, that this box of MREs will expire in five MONTHS rather than five years. This is completely unacceptable.Adding insult to injury, I was furious to find out that once my return is processed, the return shipping costs of approximately $19 (maybe MORE, won't know until the return is processed) will be deducted from my payment. Had I returned the product because I didn't like the meal types or I accidentally ordered ones without heaters when I wanted the heaters, I would understand the charge. But the fact that the company shipped me product that they KNEW was nearly useless, represented it as a much newer product, and then expect me to pay the return shipping is nothing short of galling.