THE APPLICATION OF DIETARY GUIDELINES IN PRISON UNITS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF HUMAN DIGNITY

Abstract

Food in Brazilian prisons is marked by recurrent violations of fundamental rights, with food precariousness being one of the most critical problems. This work aims to analyze how dietary guidelines are applied in prison units in Maranhão and Brazil, seeking to understand how they contribute — or not — to the effectiveness of the principle of human dignity. The problem that guides the research consists of investigating how the inadequacy in the food supply in prison units affects the dignity of the human person of the inmates and what are the challenges and obstacles for the effective implementation of these guidelines, in order to guarantee access to adequate and nutritious food during the period of incarceration. The methodology adopted is qualitative, based on bibliographic and documentary research, with analysis of legislation, institutional reports and academic studies. The results indicate that, despite normative advances — such as Resolution No. 3/2017 of the CNPCP and Normative Instruction No. 64/2021 in Maranhão —, the reality is still marked by widespread non-compliance with dietary guidelines, with insufficient meals, absence of inspection, overcrowding, and structural precariousness. It is concluded that adequate food is still not fully ensured, compromising the dignity and human rights of the incarcerated population.