Mississippi Administrative Code
Title 31 - Public Safety
Part 9 - REGULATION REGARDING THE LICENSURE OF JUVENILE DETENTION FACILITIES
Chapter 5 - Physical Plant, Environment, and Safety
Rule 31-9-5.4 - Food

1. The facility's food services comply with applicable local, state, and federal sanitation and health codes. Facility maintains documentation demonstrating such compliance.

2. Youth receive at least three meals per day. Two meals are required to be served hot, one of which is required to be dinner. No more than 14 hours between the evening meal and breakfast. Facility shall provide juveniles at least one snack per day.

3. Youth in the facility receive a wholesome, appetizing, and nutritionally adequate diet.

4. The facility provides meals stored and served at safe temperatures.

5. The facility provides meals for youth with special dietary requirements, with proper documentation, including, but not limited to, youth with allergies, pregnant females, youth with dental problems, and youth with religious beliefs that require adherence to religious dietary observation or practice.

6. There is no infestation of insects or rodents in food, food preparation and storage areas, the kitchen, or the dining area(s).

7. Youth eat meals in a cafeteria or common area unless on isolation or room confinement.

8. Youth have a reasonable time, at a minimum 20 minutes, for each meal.

9. Youth may/interact during meals absent safety or security reasons.

10. Staff may not withhold food for discipline. The facility does not serve deliberately unappetizing meals (e.g., food loaf) to youth.

11. Staff follow up with youth who do not eat provided meals to determine the reason. If appropriate, staff initiate a medical or mental health referral.