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Staff Reporter
It would perhaps be among the least likely foodstuffs to be selected as the favorite among prison inmates. But recent research by a prison food supplier has found bread to be the most sought-after item among nearly 50,000 inmates in 47 prisons and detention centers across the country.
``More than 650,000 loaves of bread are sold every month,'' said a spokesman for Okbaraju, the company behind the survey. ``No snacks are offered in prisons. That's why,'' it said.
Ramen (instant noodles) emerged in second place, with about 450,000 packets sold a month. Trailing ramen were milk, smoked chicken and dried seaweed.
Aside from foodstuffs, the most popular item for female inmates was underwear, followed by books, cosmetic products, running shoes and shampoo.
Among men, sneakers were the most sought-after item, followed by underwear, skincare products, toothbrushes and books.
``Even though the authorities provide a certain number of underwear (items), they are insufficient since male prisoners spend (a lot of) time exercising,'' the spokesman added.
The food supplier is to use the information to provide inmates with their favorite items on the occasion of Seollal, New Year's Day in the lunar calendar, which falls on Jan. 26.
pss@koreatimes.co.kr
