and the increased food prices. The NPM found that food quality in general centralized supply is different. Particularly rare in the menu of the prisoners are eggs, dairy products and fruits. This finding was made by the CPT as well in 2012, but the issue can not be solved alone by the Ministry of Justice, while the Council of Ministers did not introduce a single standard for annual allocations of money from the budget for health nutrition of different social groups, including prisoners. Often the quality of the food included in the diet menu does not meet the needs of the patients. For example, prisoners with insulin-dependent diabetes get additionally a piece of simple sausage and white bread. The access to fruits and vegetables is limited even in the buttery to the prison due to the fact that they shall be spoiled quickly. In this case the trader does not take the necessary commercial risk for such products. Regular supplies are carried out on preliminary requests. Purchased perishable dairy products can not be stored, and can not be purchased daily. Prisoners do not have the space and conditions for storage, therefore the food is cooled by drinking water. In 2011 and 2012, there has been increased investment activity related to construction of new butteries by the SE „PP” in the prisons. They are close to the opportunities offered by stores in urban areas, but not in line with the opportunities for holding visits in them, respectively for allowing purchase of products by persons who came to visit the inmates. By an order of the Minister of Justice part of the permitted items can only be purchased from the buttery. The NPM determines the above order as a step forward in limiting the importation of unauthorized items. However, the position of the SE “PP” is dominant as a sole supplier of these products. The method of procurement and administrative determination of the profit are the reasons for such prices of the products that exceed the market prices, causing numerous legitimate complaints from prisoners. Following the recommendation made by the Ombudsman, the State Enterprise „Prison Production” showed its understanding of the problem and declared its intention to take measures for its adequate solution. The NPM will continue to monitor the implementation of the recommendation in 2013 as well. Contacts with the outside world The Legislator in Bulgaria has imposed restrictions by law concerning the privacy of correspondence of the accused, defendants and prisoners. Such restrictions are necessary and permissible, but are defined in bylaws. This regulation according to the NPM does guarantee neither the rights of prisoners nor the rights of the administrative staff in protecting the security of the prison. Poor regulation leads to conflicts between the administration and the prisoners, and in some cases – the use of force. According to art. 24.1. of the European Prison Rules measures taken in respect of visits should allow prisoners to maintain and develop family relationships in a way which is as normal as 14 Annual Report of the National Preventive Mechanism | OMBUDSMAN OF THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA