KAWARTHA LAKES-Kawartha 411 News has learned that a number of inmates at the Central East Correctional Centre in Lindsay refused meals on Wednesday in support of a fellow inmate.
Sources say they are supporting a fellow inmate who has been getting sick after eating food that is supposed to be gluten-free. The Ministry of the Solicitor General confirmed that inmates had refused meals but would not say why.
“The ministry can confirm that a number of inmates at the Central East Correctional Centre refused meals earlier today. The ministry is unable to publicly discuss an inmate’s private health information, so we cannot provide further information,” said Brent Ross Spokesperson, Ministry of the Solicitor General.
Ross said the vast majority of the inmates have since resumed meals.
According to Ross gluten-free meals are provided upon request when an individual has dietary restrictions. It is unclear if this inmate has been provided gluten-free meals but our source says he has been unable to access his medical records.
“For months he has been throwing up blood and when brought to the attention of those in charge he isn’t taken seriously.” said the source. “He also has a treatment he needs which he can not receive in jail but the Judge wants his medical records before he makes a decision. He has been asking for his medical records for this reason with no luck.”
A gluten-free diet is an eating plan that excludes foods containing gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale (a cross between wheat and rye). The Mayo Clinic says a gluten-free diet is essential for managing signs and symptoms of celiac disease and other medical conditions associated with gluten.