Prisoners Report Food Poisoning After Maggots Discovered Near Serving Line

A  Michigan prison contractor says there’s no evidence connecting an outbreak of food poisoning among about 30 prisoners at  the Parnall Correctional Facility in Jackson to the discovery of maggots and fly larvae in one of the meal saving lines.

The prisoners reported symptoms Saturday that are consistent with food poisoning, diarrhea, vomiting, headaches and fatigue, the Detroit Free Press reports.

On Friday, maggots were discovered “a couple of inches from where the food trays are located,” Corrections Department spokesman Russ Marlan told the Free Press. “We don’t believe the maggots got into the food, but finding them that close to where food trays sit during serving periods is a serious and significant sanitary issue.”

A spokeswoman for Philadelphia-based Aramark Correctional Services, which has been providing meals to Michigan’s penal system since December, said the maggots were discovered before the food was served Friday.

“There are no facts that show food played any role in the illnesses reported over the weekend, or is connected in any way to today’s pest issue,” Karen Cutler told the newspaper.

The Department of Corrections maintenance department will make necessary repairs to the serving line, Cutler said.

Marlan said prison officials don’t believe the sick prisoners are faking their symptoms.

» For the complete story, go to the Detroit Free Press.