Fort Champlain, 2 Point Frederick, Royal Military College of Canada, September 20, 2012. (Victoriaedwards/CC BY-SA 3.0)
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Food served to naval and officer cadets at the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) in Kingston, Ontario, is often spoiled or poor in quality, and one of the College’s dining areas was previously closed off due to a rodent infestation, according to source information.
The Epoch Times received written testimony along with photos depicting some of the meals served at RMC in late 2022 from a source with access to the College, who provided the information on condition of anonymity.
Photos depicted a half-rotten strawberry, mouldy bread products like English muffins and tortillas, along with undercooked chicken and overcooked beef.
The source also provided written testimony from other RMC residents who said certain buildings were infested with mice, snakes, and rats.
The source added that one of the College’s dining halls was closed off for a portion of time in 2022 due to high numbers of rodents.
“There is one building called Fort Sauvé that is colloquially called Poverty Sauvé,” the source wrote, adding, “There was a rat infestation at the Cadet Dining Hall so residents had to eat in a makeshift kitchen in another building with mod tents, often including being fed boxed lunches.”
The source says that naval and officer cadets, who are required to reside on campus, have to pay approximately $600 per month to eat at their designated cafeteria.
‘Quality Control’
Pictures provided to The Epoch Times allegedly depicted snakes and mice found inside RMC buildings, but the material was not further authenticated.
The Department of National Defence (DND) was provided with the allegations and asked to comment.
“Quality control problems with [food] suppliers have been known to occur from time to time at our institution,” said a spokesperson from DND in an email to The Epoch Times.
“RMC has needed to engage with suppliers or staff to rectify any issues and ensure that food quality standards are met. Any issues that come up are addressed in as timely a fashion as possible.”
The department added that it became aware of “the presence of small animals” around some College buildings in July 2022 and temporarily closed the kitchen while remediating the issue.
“The Cadet Dining Hall and Kitchen re-opened on September 16 after health authorities confirmed there was no longer any physical evidence to indicate the presence of rodents,” said DND.
DND added that all food products served at the College must be approved by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and must also meet requirements outlined in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Food Quality Specifications.
“Furthermore, CAF preventative medicine experts conduct regular inspections of the cadet dining hall facility to ensure that CAF food services standards are met,” said DND.
“RMC and the staff of the cadet dining hall strive to provide naval and officer cadets, and all diners, with nutritious and balanced meals for breakfast, lunch, and supper.”
The Epoch Times previously reported on building issues at the military base in Kingston, citing internal documents addressing safety concerns with exposed black mould and asbestos in some buildings along with water leakage and regular lack of hot water.