CANCDTGEN 022/23

Canadian Cadet General Order (CANCDTGEN)

Distribution and use of Canadian Armed Forces Individual Meal Packs

References:

1. CJCR Gp O 8002-0, Cadet Program Structure
2. CJCR Gp O 8030-0, Corps/Squadron Training Program
3. CJCR Gp O 8040-0, Regionally Directed Activities
4. CJCR Gp O 8050-0, Nationally Directed Activities
5. CJCR Gp Instr 80-01, Locally Directed Activities
6. CJCR Gp Instr 80-02, Area Directed Activities
7. A-LM-007-100/AG-001, Canadian Armed Forces Supply Administration Manual (link accessible on the DWAN Only)

1. Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Strategic J4 Foods and Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group (CJCR Gp) J4 are working to establish an updated contract for the provision of prepared meal rations for use by CJCR Gp personnel and cadets during supported cadet activities as outlined in references A through G. The Cadet Program has routinely used Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) in recent years based on established contracts. Due to the length of the contracting process and to address planned training requirements, the Cadet Program will be receiving a limited distribution of CAF Individual Meal Packs (IMP) for use by CJCR Gp.
2. MREs have traditionally been designed for use by a younger audience and therefore limited the number of items that may contain allergens, such as peanuts/nuts. Food allergens appear in greater quantity and frequency within IMPs. Each IMP food item is labelled with the nutrition information and the list of ingredients, including allergens. The sealed pouch meals, including entrees and fruit pouches, do not contain any nuts/peanuts. CJCR Gp personnel and cadets will make themselves aware of the ingredients in each food item within the IMP prior to consumption, to ensure they can consume the IMP safely.
3. There are some items included in IMPs that are aimed at an adult population and must be removed from the IMP before serving to cadets or JCRs, these items include:
   1. matches;
   2. instant coffee/tea; and
   3. coffee whitener.
4. IMPs are not designed to be vegetarian or Halal/Kosher certified. Therefore, local procurement is still authorized in unique circumstances where the IMP rations do not meet special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, Halal/Kosher meals, etc., or when authorized by CJCR Gp J4.
5. Current stores of CAF IMPs have been evaluated for suitability of use, quality, and safety of the contents by Strategic Joint Staff (SJS) Strategic J4 Foods. As a result, IMPs that have a ‘use before’ date of 31 December 2023 have had their life cycle extended to 31 August 2024. Following the extended ‘use before’ date of 31 August 2024, IMPs past their ‘use before’ date will be disposed of by Regional Cadet Support Unit J4 in accordance with reference G.
6. Any questions concerning the distribution, use or divestment of IMPs may be directed to the applicable Regional Cadet Support Unit J4 section who will contact the CJCR Gp J4 if required.