No more than how many hours can pass between meals without additional food being served?

The correct answer is based on standard protocols regarding the provision of meals in correctional facilities. The regulation emphasizes ensuring that inmates receive adequate nutrition and that their physical well-being is maintained. In many jurisdictions, a limit is set on how many hours can elapse between meals to prevent prolonged periods without food, which can lead to significant health issues.

The standard of 14 hours serves to ensure that inmates are fed during a reasonable timeframe which is crucial for maintaining their health, morale, and behavior. This 14-hour guideline reflects an understanding of the needs for basic nourishment, considering the time that might lapse between breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner.

If the intervals were set inaccurately greater than this standard, such as the higher options which suggest longer durations, it could create an environment where inmates suffer from hunger, impacting their physical and mental well-being. This regulation exists to balance safety and humane treatment in correctional institutions.