The General Delegate of the Administration of Prisons and Reintegration, Mohammed Salah Tamek, revealed what he described as the “secret to success” in the nutrition policy within Moroccan prison institutions, which has seen a noticeable improvement in recent years in terms of quality, quantity, and variety.
Tamek explained that the fundamental shift in food management began with the adoption of a catering system delegated to specialized private companies in collective cooking, rather than being managed directly by the prison administration. He stated that this decision has improved the quality of meals, ensured their nutritional balance, and improved storage, preparation, and distribution conditions in accordance with health and food safety standards.
He highlighted that the administration has raised the daily allocation for each inmate’s nutrition from 12 dirhams to 21 dirhams, allowing for tangible improvements in the meals provided. Tamek noted that this increase has enabled greater food quantity and improved quality, along with the introduction of new food categories such as seasonal fruits, yogurt, and fish, which has contributed to increased inmate satisfaction with the meals served.
The official confirmed that the administration has implemented precise monitoring mechanisms including delivery and supervision committees at each prison, overseeing the supply, preparation, and distribution processes to ensure compliance with the specifications and quality of the materials used.
He added that continuous monitoring allows for rapid intervention to correct any potential issues concerning meal quality or presentation. Tamek pointed out that the improvement in food quality has also reduced the number of “provisions” smuggled into prisons from outside, which might have served as a potential avenue for introducing prohibited items.
He stated that this change has enhanced security within the prison facilities and contributed to improved order and overall discipline. Despite these achievements, Tamek acknowledged the existence of objective challenges, the foremost being overcrowding in some prisons, which sometimes undermines the effectiveness of reforms related to nutrition and other social services.
He emphasized that the administration continues to work on preparing new kitchens and updating equipment to ensure ongoing improvements in the conditions of food provision for inmates.
