HMP Bristol prisoner on 'hunger strike' after food allergies are ignored is 'cold, grey and very tired'
The mother of a prisoner at HMP Bristol has claimed her son is on his ninth day of hunger strike after consistently being served food he is intolerant to. The prisoner, who has been tested for gluten and dairy intolerances, has allegedly lost 12kg since arriving at the prison.
Having suffered persistent stomach upsets, the prisoner was provided with food parcels and was able to cook his own food. However, it is claimed he now does not have access to the kitchen to make his food from raw ingredients and is now on hunger strike.
After refusing food containing allergens, the prisoner has repeatedly missed meals as food has not been replaced. Photos of the prison menus show allergens are not correctly labelled on menu items.
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His mother spoke to Bristol Live regarding the issues her son is facing. She said: "He might be given gluten-free cereal, but then be given ordinary milk. Or he could be given dairy-free milk, and normal cereal. He found numerous mistakes on the allergens menu as he is an ex-chef. If he asks for a replacement, he might get nothing."
HM Inspectorate of Prisons' "headline expectation" for prison catering is that "prisoners are offered varied meals to meet their individual requirements and food is prepared and served according to religious, cultural and prevailing food safety and hygiene regulations."
The prisoner's mother stated that other prisoners have more severe allergies. One prisoner who suffers from coeliac disease is allegedly passing blood in his stool.
The prisoner is now on his ninth day of hunger strike. He has rejected food that has continued to be served, with his mother telling that a nurse said: "It's lucky you didn't eat that food because it could have killed you."
This concern refers to a condition called Refeeding Syndrome, which can occur as a complication if too much food or liquid is consumed too quickly after a period of starvation. These complications can be as severe as cardiac arrest.
"The last time I saw him, his hands looked grey with his veins at the top. He was cold, grey and very tired and emotional," said the prisoner's mother.
"There are some really lovely officers there. They want to do the right thing, but somewhere their hands have been tied."
The prisoner's mother is concerned that her son has not seen a doctor. His mother referred to policy available online for HMP Birmingham, which states that "arrangements must be made to inform local hospital emergency consultants, RAID team and ambulance service of the clinical situation" when a competent prisoner is refusing food and fluids.
A Prison Service spokesperson said: “All prisoners are provided with three healthy meals a day that meet nutritional guidelines and dietary requirements, including gluten free and dairy free options if required.”