MONITORING PLACES OF DETENTION : A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR NGOS 106 FOOD Standards “(1) Every prisoner shall be provided by the administration at the usual hours with food of nutritional value adequate for health and strength, of wholesome quality and well prepared and served. 3 (2) Drinking water shall be available to every prisoner whenever he needs it.” SMR, Rule 20 “(1) In accordance with the standards laid down by the health authorities, the administration shall provide the prisoners at the normal times with food which is suitably prepared and presented, and which satisfies in quality and quantity the standards of dietetics and modern hygiene and takes into account their age, health, the nature of their work, and so far as possible, religious or cultural requirements. (2) Drinking water shall be available to every prisoner.” EPR, Rule 25 Comments The diet must be sufficient as regards quantity, quality, and variety so that the persons deprived of their liberty remain in good health. When the planned length of the detention exceeds 48 hours, the composition of the meals must be examined by the establishment’s doctor to make sure that the diet is appropriate. Meals must be served in good conditions of hygiene and at the same times as outside the penal system. The state of the kitchens, in particular their cleanliness, must be examined. It is also advisable to be present at meal time in order to observe the distribution of the meals. The detainees must have permanent access to drinking water.