INSPECTIONS of police custody suites have raised questions about the choice and availability of food given to detainees.

A report from the Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) was considered by Lancashire Police Authority’s Professional Standards and Citizen Focus Committee.

It recommended an assessment of the ready meals, known as ‘ambient food’ provided to people in custody, after reports of a lack of choice at some stations.

On one occasion, food in a store was past its use-by date.

ICVs went to Blackburn Police Station at Greenbank 22 times from April to September 2009.

On one visit, it was noted that the kitchen was ‘low on stock’ with only two choices available.

A separate visit recorded three Halal additions to the menu - a total of five choices.

Burnley custody suite was visited 21 times in the same period.

One ICV report said that a detainee had dietary needs not covered by the food, another visit in July recorded the kitchen being out of use and the canteen not providing food.

It was refurbished in August according to a follow-up visit.

On the final ICV on September 30, the inspection report notes: “there is no mention of Halal on food packaging, staff not sure of being genuine.”

The Independent Custody Scheme Administrator, Ian Dickinson, said: “Reports from the Custody Visitors show that they are generally happy with the standard of food provided and the availability of food suitable for those with special dietary requirements, such as allergies, on each division.”