Vomiting, diarrhea and malnourishment are the effects of a change in food preparation in several prisons in western Canada, say complaints from inmates. Canada has a special prison ombudsman who is investigating several food complaints. Correctional Investigator Howard Sapers says his job is to ensure budget cuts don’t violate the law or the government’s obligation to provide adequate food.
Full kitchens were recently closed at four prisons in the province of British Columbia to save $6.4 million over two years. Food is now prepared in one penitentiary, frozen and sent off to the others to be reheated and served.
“The food is causing people to experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting. I have experienced this myself many times,” says Jean-Paul Aubee, an inmate at Mission Institution. He argues the quality, quantity and preparation of Canadian prison food has deteriorated, and says he shakes from malnutrition.
‘The chicken smells rotten’
Aubee says prisoners do not expect prime rib steak, but he thinks cutbacks by the Conservative government have gone too far.
“There is a chicken stew that they make, and the chicken smells rotten, you can’t even eat it,” says Aubee, who does not believe the new menu contains enough protein for adult men.
Besides complaints about the quality, prisoners have written letters saying the kitchen sometimes runs out of some food items before getting to them. Letters have been obtained by the public broadcaster, CBC.
‘Prisons…are not a vacation home’
“Serving sizes are in accordance with Canada’s Food Guide” and the menu is approved by a registered dietitian, says Jeremy Laurin, a spokesman for the minister responsible. “Prisons are meant to correct criminal behaviour, not serve as a vacation home. We are confident that CSC (Correctional Service Canada) provides meals that meet appropriate nutrition standards.”
Aubee says the poor food situation is raising tensions and he fears it could lead to violence.
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