Key  Development

Bengaluru Central Prison at Parappana Agrahara has banned citrus fruits such as oranges and grapes as part of stricter controls on food items entering the jail. Prison authorities flagged the risk of these fruits being misused for fermentation, prompting tighter regulation of permissible food items.

Director General of Police (Prisons and Correctional Services) Alok Kumar said the decision aligns with broader efforts to regulate outside food and ensure safer, more controlled food access within the prison.

Permitted Fruits and Food Items Clearly Defined

Prison authorities now allow only selected fruits—bananas, apples, mangoes, guavas, and chikoos—along with limited quantities of dry fruits. Inmates may receive up to 2 kg of permitted fruits and 500 grams of dry fruits during visiting hours. Authorities have also allowed up to 500 grams of packaged bakery items such as biscuits, cookies, namkeens, and chips. Officials noted that grapes contain high natural sugar and surface yeast, making them suitable for fermentation even in small quantities. Citrus fruits can also support fermentation if misused, raising concerns about unregulated food practices within the prison environment.

Outside-Cooked Food Banned to Ensure Better Control

The department has reiterated its ban on outside-cooked food, citing repeated instances of prohibited items entering the prison through food consignments. Authorities have also stopped inmate self-cooking and seized stoves and cooking utensils to maintain better control over food preparation and storage.

In-House Food Meets Safety Standards

Kumar said the prison provides food that meets prescribed quality standards and holds certification from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). He added that prison authorities remain open to addressing grievances related to food quality and safety.

Source: The Times of India