UK prisons are now required to accommodate vegan belief-based diets, taking into account imprisoned individuals' ethical beliefs when planning menus. The updated Food in Prisons Policy Framework recognizes veganism as a protected human right under the Equality Act, with The Vegan Society being officially consulted on prison food. The revised policy includes vegan options in minimum menu requirements for lunch and dinner, as well as stronger nutritional checks and access to free dietary supplements.

With approximately 87,300 people in prison in England and Wales, including around 800 vegans, the updated policy marks a major step forward for imprisoned vegans. The Vegan Society has stated that the new rules offer stronger support for imprisoned vegans than ever before, emphasizing the importance of treating the dietary needs of vegans with dignity and fairness based on their ethical convictions. The policy also ensures that Veganuary, an annual plant-based pledge, is recognized similarly to religious festivals or cultural events within the prison system.