■ Consideration should be given to the dietary requirements of particular groups of prisoners. These include those with medical conditions, nursing or pregnant women, and juveniles. Some prisoners will require special diets for religious or cultural reasons. ■ It is important that meals are taken at even intervals throughout the day. This applies particularly to the period of time between the last meal of the day and the first meal of the following day. The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment has suggested that a last meal at 16.00 with nothing to eat or drink until 07.30 the following day is inappropriate. ■ The manner in which food is prepared and served is important to ensuring the right to adequate food. There should be proper sanitary conditions in prison kitchens and good ventilation in order to prevent infestation and to maintain culinary hygiene. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION If prisoners' families are allowed to bring food to the prison, it may be necessary to have the food searched for security reasons. How can this be done sensitively? It is quite common for prisoners to be employed in the prison kitchen, preparing, cooking and distributing food. This is a good way to keep some of them employed. Discuss how best to ensure that food is not stolen by these prisoners or distributed unfairly. Undernourished prisoners have less resistance to disease. What can be done in the case of prisoners who suffer from tuberculosis and who need special nourishment? In what circumstances might it be possible to encourage prisoners to become selfsufficient in food production and even to contribute to the needs of the local community? CASE STUDIES 1. The prison authorities cannot supply enough food for the prisoners on a daily basis. There is a large unused compound just outside the perimeter of the prison. It would be suitable for cultivation. What are all the factors that would have to be taken into consideration so that this could happen? 2. There are people of many different nationalities and cultures in the prison. Consider how their different religious and cultural dietary requirements can be met. 55