§ 95.230. Food services.
The following are the minimum requirements applicable to food services:
(1) Written local policy must specify that each inmate be provided a daily diet that is nutritionally adequate for the maintenance of good health. Written local policy must recognize dietary requirements for those inmates whose medical condition requires prescribed therapeutic attention, for those inmates whose religious beliefs require adherence to specified and approved religious dietary law and for those inmates under segregation or disciplinary status, or both, whose behavior requires a different meal consistency. Regular and alternative menus shall be approved and signed by a registered dietician or licensed physician, or both, and the prison administrator on an as needed basis, but no less than on an annual basis.
(2) Written local policy must provide that food is prepared and served in a sanitary manner. The prison food preparation areas and food distribution areas shall be maintained in a safe and clean condition at all times. Food shall be stored and prepared in a proper manner to assure freshness and to prevent spoilage and damage from insects and rodents. Appropriate food service head cover, beard/facial hair cover and gloves shall be worn by staff, food service contractor and inmates engaged in food preparation or distribution, or both. Written local policy must require that one supervisory food service employe become certified in food safety and sanitation in accordance with 3 Pa.C.S. § § 6501—6510 (relating to food employee certification). There shall always be a ‘‘person in charge’’ present during all hours of operations. If the ‘‘person in charge’’ is not certified, that person shall receive documented training as to the food safety and sanitation procedures as established by written local policy.
(3) Written local policy must provide for the control and use of culinary equipment. All culinary equipment shall be identified and accounted for on an inventory list. In addition, cutlery items shall be documented as to being checked in and out, to control use at all times. When not in use, cutlery shall be stored in a secure manner.
(4) Written local policy must establish preassignment and periodic medical clearance for staff, food service contractor and inmate food service workers. Food handlers shall wash their hands upon reporting to duty and after using toilet facilities.
(5) Written local policy must identify the methods available to clean, rinse and sanitize prison-issued eating and drinking utensils at least weekly. These eating and drinking utensils shall be cleaned, rinsed and sanitized before being reissued to another inmate.
(6) Written local policy must provide that compartmented trays, plastic ware and paper products be utilized to serve the food. More than one type of food may not be served in a noncompartmented container during normal feeding operations. Food shall be served as promptly as possible, at the proper temperature.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.230 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186) and section 3(3) and (4) of the act of December 27, 1965 (P. L. 1237, No. 502) (61 P. S. § 460.3(3) and (4)).
Source The provisions of this § 95.230 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended October 10, 2008, effective October 13, 2009, 38 Pa.B. 5627. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (263836) to (263837).
Cross References This section cited in 37 Pa. Code § 95.220b (relating to scope).
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