THE RIGHT TO HEALTH IN PRISON: RESULTS OF A NATIONWIDE SURVEY AND REPORT 4.139 According to the WHO, the quality and quantity of food available in a prison has a major influence on the quality of a prisoner’s life, and that the availability of safe and healthy food is essential in maintaining and improving prisoners’ health.165 Sufficient nutrition should be considered one of prisoners’ basic human rights, especially as many prisoners are impoverished. In addition, vulnerable populations, such as pregnant and breastfeeding women, have specific dietary requirements. However, all over the world, meal times, foods and portions are sometimes limited in prison. 4.140 The Commission was informed by the Prisons Department that the cost allocated for meals on a daily basis is RM35.00, but this amount varies from one prison to another. The Commission is unable to verify the actual expenditure in each prison visited, but notes that the sum allocated includes other items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap; that are only dispensed once upon entry. In reality, the cost for daily meals for prisoners may fall far below the allocated amount. 4.141 The Commission advises that prisons must not reduce the cost of food, or serve the cheapest. Not only is this detrimental to the physical health of prisoners, intolerable and inadequate meals can lead to mental and emotional turmoil, further destabilizing persons (prisoners) who are attempting to be rehabilitated.166 4.142 The Commission also wishes to highlight that a considerable group of prisoners complained about the portions and cleanliness of food provided in prisons. Recently, there was an outbreak of food poisoning167 that was reported in a prison (Penang Remand prison), but the outbreak was contained by the Ministry of Health. Of concern, the Commission observed that not all kitchen staff were provided with aprons, gloves and/or head caps, in violation of universal food safety standards and that there was a limited supply of drinking water for prisoners, as they were provided with drinking water only during meals. http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-determinants/prisons-and-health/focus-areas/nutrition accessed on 23/2/2016. 166 Nutrition and Human Rights While in Prison; accessed via http://learni.st/users/jacobvp/boards/65977-nutrition-andhuman-rights-while-in-prison on 23/2/2016. 167 “Samples taken after food poisoning in Penang Prison” published on The Star Online on 20 January 2014. Accessed via http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2014/01/20/samples-taken-after-food-poisoning-in-penang-prison/ on 23/2/2016 165 95