Key Update

Food in prisons often carries the image of being bland and nutritionally poor. Defying this perception, the district jail at Dasna in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, has secured a five-star “exemplary” rating and the ‘Eat Right Campus’ certification from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Inmate Training and Kitchen Upgrades Drive Change

Jail Superintendent Sitaram Sharma said the jail achieved the recognition after revamping its food system, from kitchen infrastructure to inmate training. Chefs from premium hotels trained nearly 100 inmates involved in cooking, focusing on hygiene, food safety protocols and nutritious meal preparation. The jail administration installed a modern modular kitchen with high-end equipment, including automated roti-making machines, to standardise food quality and improve efficiency. The facility currently houses around 3,500 inmates.

Certification Under the Eat Right India Programme

FSSAI awarded the certification under its ‘Eat Right India’ movement, which promotes healthy and sustainable food practices across institutions, including prisons. Authorities assessed the jail on sanitation, balanced meals, safe food storage and preparation, and the use of local and seasonal ingredients. Food safety teams conducted three inspections over the past five months, reviewing kitchen operations, storage facilities and hygiene practices. The jail administration implemented the recommendations during each phase.

Certification Presented During Joint Inspection

Officials formally presented the five-star rating and certification during a joint inspection led by District and Sessions Judge Vinod Singh Rawat. The visit also included the inauguration of a herbal garden at the jail hospital, as well as inspections of the barracks, prison hospital, Dr Sampurnanand Library, and vocational training units.

Source: The Times of India