CATERING staff at Barlinnie Prison have won a food safety award.
The staff, who have to feed about 1500 prisoners every day, have won the Eat Safe award from Glasgow City Council, in conjunction with the Food Standards Agency in Scotland.
The prison's kitchen, which is one of the largest production kitchens in the UK, serves up about 1.3million meals each year.
They are created by two supervisors, 10 catering staff, 40 prisoners and six drivers, who deliver the meals to the five accommodation halls.
Barlinnie is one of only 114 establishments in the city to have received the award, which is regarded as a key element in raising food safety standards.
It is aimed at reducing food-borne disease, promoting food safety and improving consumer confidence.
Barlinnie was assessed during scheduled food hygiene inspections by the council's environmental health officers.
Jim Coleman, the council's spokesman for land and environmental services, said: "The Eat Safe Award is a clear demonstration of an establishment having a clear commitment to high food hygiene and nutritional standards.
"The council's environmental health and trading standards officers have been very impressed by the kitchen operation at Barlinnie and the commitment to high standards – especially given the sheer size and scale of the operation."
Prison governor Derek McGill said: "I am delighted to see this award. It highlights to the public the commitment and dedication of staff that might otherwise go unseen."
The main aim of the Eat Safe award is to provide an incentive to food businesses to strive for food hygiene and food safety management standards beyond those required by law.
With Barlinnie the notable exception, it also allows consumers to make informed choices about where to eat out by providing a recognisable sign of excellence in standards of food hygiene.
Initially, the award was limited to catering operations to which the public had access.But it is now available to all establishments providing food directly to consumers.
vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk