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Sheriff's response to prisoner hunger strike: 'Don't commit crimes'

MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. — An Arizona sheriff is defending the quality of food served at county jails, after a small group of prisoners went on a hunger strike.

A group of activists protested outside a Maricopa County jail Tuesday in solidarity with the two dozen inmates who staged a three-day hunger strike.

On Wednesday, Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone offered members of the media a taste of meals served at the county's correctional facilities, azcentral.com reported. The verdict? The meals could use some salt.

23 MCSO inmates are on a hunger strike.

Posted by azcentral on Wednesday, November 1, 2017

But Penzone said jail meals must meet nutritional requirements and not violate religious practices, resulting in food that is unseasoned and bland. Penzone told azcentral.com that the jail isn't a hotel and he's not concerned with satisfying the taste buds of inmates. Penzone's message to inmates critical of the jail food: "Don't commit crimes."