MONITORING PLACES OF DETENTION : A PRACTICAL GUIDE 142 Comments 3 Visiting mechanisms need to develop a methodology that allows them to check on a regular basis that the prisoners’ diet is sufficient as regards quantity, quality, and variety so that the persons deprived of their liberty are healthy and do not succumb to the medical conditions that accompany poor nutrition. The detainees must have permanent access to drinking water. In some countries food may be or has to be complemented by that provided by families. In this case, the mechanism needs to monitor the situation of those without outside support, in particular, whether the prison ensures that the establishment identifies these individuals and addresses their particular needs. Mechanisms should also pay attention to hygiene and other issues relevant to the dignity of the prisoner, such as the times at which meals are served, the time allowed for eating the meals and the manner in which they are served. Reference points ■ What standards exist concerning the quantity, quality, and variety of the meals? Who decides on the menus? Do medical personnel play a regular role? ■ What is the annual budget for food (and the amount allowed per detainee per day)? ■ When are meal times? Are the intervals between meals appropriate? ■ Are prisoners served with respect? Is any negative discrimination discernible in the way that food is distributed, and in allocation of prisoners to canteen duties? ■ Do persons have access to food and water outside meal times? ■ What sort of water supply is available? Is it clean and available all year round?