Meals shall be served three times during each 24 hour period. At least one of these meals shall include hot food. If more than 14 hours elapse between these meals, supplemental food shall be provided.
Food carts and/or insulated food containers on flatbed carts shall be used to transport food to areas located some distance from the kitchen, in order to serve foods at their appropriate temperature. At the time of service, hot food should be served at or above 140 degrees Fahrenheit and cold food at or below 41 degrees Fahrenheit, to limit the growth of bacteria that can cause food borne illness.
A minimum of 15 minutes shall be allowed for the actual consumption of each meal, except for those inmates on medical diets where the responsible physician has prescribed additional time. If the inmate misses a regularly scheduled facility meal, he shall be provided with a sandwich and beverage in lieu of that meal. Inmates on medical diets shall be provided with a full diet meal. Food shall be served only under the immediate supervision of custodial staff.
Inmates shall be allowed to converse in a moderate tone during meals with other inmates at the same table. Inmates shall regulate their conversation to enable them to complete their meal and avoid unnecessary delay of the meal serving routine. When or where conditions warrant, unit commanders may limit or omit the privilege of inmate talking during meals.