We are disappointed in the March 9 Martlet story, “Lax food standards give UVic students a case of indigestion.” [Online headline: “Bugs, mould, other horrors discovered in residence meals”] Dishing up nutritious, healthy food for students keeps the staff at UVic Food Services busy 365 days a year. As with all B.C. institutional food providers, facilities are inspected regularly to ensure a high level of food safety is maintained in accordance with federal and provincial standards. Since June 2016, UVic Food Services has logged and passed 15 standard food facility inspections by Island Health with no critical hazards noted. These reports are freely available and the most recent one was provided to your reporter.
All food services staff possess FOODSAFE certification as a condition of employment. UVic Food Services makes every effort to ensure our food supply chain is managed professionally and safely. We are concerned the Martlet has promulgated inaccuracies about UVic Food Services, with unverified photos and information that is largely anecdotal and unsubstantiated. It is always helpful to hear of any food-related concerns in the moment, when they can be effectively addressed. The reporter was provided an opportunity to tour the commercial kitchen(s) which was not accepted. The goal of UVic Food Services is to always provide students with a quality and healthy dining experience.
Jim Forbes,
Director, Campus Services
University of Victoria
