1. A. The RDP Halal Diet platform is a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet that is Halal Certified.

2. B. At a minimum, 30 days before the observance of Ramadan, the facility chaplain, or a designee, shall inform the facility’s correctional dietary manager, or a designee, of the following to ensure that an incarcerated individual who will observe the ceremonial fasting (dawn to sunset) is provided with:

   1. (1) If needed, an early breakfast served before dawn; and
   2. (2) A late dinner served immediately after sunset that consists of an enhanced meal as prescribed by the Office of Food Services.
3. C. Daily during the Ramadan observance, the facility chaplain, or a designee, shall inform the correctional dietary manager, or a designee, of changes to the list of incarcerated individuals approved to participate in the observance.

4. D. The commissary manager shall:

   1. (1) Ensure that appropriate Ramadan food items, traditionally used breaking a fast, such as dried date palms (dates), are available for purchase by the incarcerated individuals a minimum of 60 days before the Ramadan observance; and
   2. (2) Advise the facilities when the Ramadan food items, including dried dates, are available for purchase and the cost of each item.
5. E. A facility chaplain, or a designee, shall notify the facility’s Islamic incarcerated individual population, at least 60 days before the Ramadan observance, of the availability of the Ramadan food items, including dried dates, and the cost of each item.

Authority: Correctional Services Article, §§2-109(c), 3-205, 4-208, and 5-201, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: March 12, 2018 (45:5 Md. R. 286)

Regulations .01—.11 repealed and Regulations .01—.11 adopted effective February 16, 2026 (53:3 Md. R. 122)