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Prison Sugar Rations Cut Amid Obesity Crisis
7 Jun
Summary
- Prisons are removing daily sugar rations to combat rising inmate obesity.
- Some inmates now receive artificial sweetener instead of sugar.
- Reducing sugar aims to improve health and reduce reoffending.
Prisons across England and Wales are phasing out daily sugar rations, a tradition that provided prisoners with 4g of sugar per day, typically in the form of sachets. This policy change is driven by concerns over high obesity rates among inmates, with some prisons reporting up to 55% of prisoners as obese.
In response to these health challenges, some jails have begun substituting sugar with artificial sweeteners. For example, HMP High Down now offers sweetener, while HMP Full Sutton has significantly reduced monthly sugar allowances. The Prison Service encourages prisons to cut or remove sugar in line with healthier standards, also noting potential savings on food budgets.
A new policy framework aims to improve prisoner diets, recognizing a link between health, behavior, and reduced reoffending. The initiative seeks to make prisoners more receptive to behavioral interventions by facilitating healthier eating habits.
