Country

Estonia

Detention issue

Nutrition

FRA research findings

View details

Legal instruments & key provisions

Legal instrument Key provision
Imprisonment Act (Vangistusseadus)The provision of food for all detainees is organised in conformity with the general dietary habits of the population with a view to meet the food requirement necessary for survival. Food is provided for prisoners on a regular basis and it must meet the requirements of food hygiene. A medical officer supervises the preparation of the prison's menu and the provision of food. In addition, detainees in prison may buy food out of the funds deposited in their personal accounts pursuant to the procedure provided for in the internal rules of the prison. Prisoners of open prisons may also do the shopping outside the prison. A prisoner may be prohibited to buy particular foodstuffs or the right to buy particular foodstuffs may be restricted as prescribed by a medical officer if such foodstuffs may damage the prisoner's health.

NATIONAL PREVENTIVE MECHANISM RECOMMENDATIONS

Year Recommendation Report
2018After an inspection visit to Kärdla detention house, the Chancellor of Justice drew attention to the following: According to the regulation of the Minister of Social Affairs, detainees must be given food in accordance with the food standards in three portions and at least three times a day. Please offer the detainees a proper breakfast in the detention house. Report details
2020The Chancellor of Justice (Õiguskantsler) made the following recommendations after an inspection visit to the open prisons: Prisons, in co-operation with the Ministry of Justice, should consider changing the organisation of meals for prisoners in open prisons in order to reduce food waste and so that the organisation of meals would support the independent management of all prisoners in open prisons. Report details