Dr Jeanette Rowley discusses the introduction of new prison food rules
In February 2026, new prison food rules came into force in England and Wales. The new Food in Prisons Policy Framework replaces the 2010 rules and accompanying guidance.
One of the most important developments is the recognition of veganism within a rights and equality framework. The new guidance explains vegan practice in the context of the human right to freedom of belief. It also refers to ethical veganism as a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.
A key change in the 2026 policy is the recognition of ethical and belief-based dietary needs alongside religious dietary needs. This means that veganism is now also recognised as a matter of conscience rather than simply a personal food preference.
Why This Matters in Prison
People in prison have limited control over what they eat, when they eat and how their food is prepared. That makes prison food policy important for people whose diets are shaped by religion, culture and ethical beliefs.
The new framework recognises this issue more clearly than the previous policy. It reflects a broader understanding that food in prison affects the dignity, wellbeing and daily life of all prisoners, including those with dietary needs that are grounded in ethical convictions such as vegans.
Equality Duties and Practical Responsibility
The new guidance also signposts Prison Catering Managers to the Public Sector Equality Duty. This duty requires public bodies to consider the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between different groups.
In practical terms, this means prisons should think proactively about vegan provision. They should not wait until problems arise before considering whether vegan meals are suitable, nutritionally adequate or prepared appropriately.
This rights-based approach to food in prison is important. It helps make clear that ethical veganism should not be treated as a minor preference or optional lifestyle choice. Where veganism is connected to protected belief, prisons need to take it seriously as part of lawful and fair treatment.
Vegan Meals in Menu Planning
Vegan options are now included in the minimum menu requirements for both lunch and the evening meal.
In practice, this should support better consistency and quality. It should also reduce the risk of vegan prisoners receiving meals that are technically animal free but nutritionally poor, repetitive or less substantial than meals offered to others.
Consultation and Input from Imprisoned Vegans
The new framework strengthens consultation with prisoners about food preparation, menu selection and whether meals meet dietary needs. Importantly, this now includes ethical needs alongside religious and cultural needs.
This enables imprisoned vegans to raise concerns about food quality, cross-contamination, nutrition and whether meals genuinely meet vegan requirements.
Consultation does not mean every individual preference must be met. However, it does mean prisons should listen to people whose dietary needs arise from ethical beliefs and use that feedback to improve provision where needed.
Better Nutritional Support
The new rules also place greater emphasis on nutrition. The previous 2010 guidance addressed vegan nutrition to some extent, particularly through references to vitamin B12, yeast extract and fortified soya milk. The 2026 framework goes further.
The new guidance includes a broader nutritional framework covering multiple nutrients, supplementation and structured menu planning. It also explains that nutritional supplements, fortified drinks and oils may be required for people following a vegan diet.
This means that food provision for vegans must also be balanced and nourishing and support health over time.
Expert Guidance and Veganuary
The new guidance recognises The Vegan Society as an authoritative source of guidance. It includes a nutritionally balanced sample vegan menu cycle approved by The Vegan Society and refers catering staff to the Vegan Eatwell Guide. Prison Catering Managers are also signposted to The Vegan Society if they need further information and support.
This should help catering teams make better decisions about ingredients, menu planning, contamination risks and nutritional adequacy.
The framework also includes Veganuary alongside religious festivals and cultural events for catering planning purposes and encourages Catering Managers to celebrate such events through the provision of food. This shows wider recognition of veganism as part of the ethical and cultural life of prisons. It may also help promote understanding of vegan food and vegan values among the wider prison community.
How the New Policy Compares with Previous Rules
The previous 2010 policy did include some provisions for vegans. It listed vegan meals alongside other dietary options, referred to the provisions of a hot meal at least once a day and required a minimum four-week menu cycle.
The 2010 catering manual also explained that vegan food should not contain animal products such as eggs, animal milks, honey or animal derivatives. It included practical safeguards, such as avoiding contamination with non-vegan food and not requiring vegan prisoners to handle animal foodstuffs.
However, the 2010 rules did not give veganism the same level of legal, ethical or nutritional recognition as the 2026 framework. The new policy places vegan provision more clearly within a legislative context involving human rights, equality and institutional responsibility.
What the Changes Mean Overall
The 2026 revisions represent clear progress for the representation of veganism in prisons. Vegan provision is now firmly connected to rights, equality and dignity, resulting in significant benefits for imprisoned vegans. Vegan meals are built into menu planning, consultation duties are clearer and nutritional support is stronger.
The changes create expectations for prison catering teams and should help improve consistency across prisons. They also show that prison food policy is about more than the catering operation alone. The new prison food policy recognises dignity, equality and the practical ability of people in prison to live in accordance with their beliefs, whether religious, cultural or ethical in nature. In this context, veganism in prison policy is now recognised not merely as a dietary preference, but as a matter of ethics and conscience deserving of legal protection and institutional respect.
The views expressed by our bloggers are not necessarily the views of The Vegan Society.
