San Quentin State Prison, one of the most notorious maximum-security facilities in California, has been placed on lockdown after a sudden outbreak of gastrointestinal illness has affected dozens of prisoners and guards. The cause of the illness has not been officially confirmed, but prisoners are pointing fingers at a recent change in the prison’s food menu, specifically the introduction of boiled chicken to the daily meal rotation.

The lockdown, which was implemented on Tuesday morning, has been met with frustration and dismay from prisoners who are already facing a strict and challenging living environment. The prison’s administration has been criticized for its response to the outbreak, with many feeling that the measures taken to address the issue are inadequate and too little, too late.

“It’s like they’re just trying to sweep it under the rug,” said one prisoner, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to fear of retaliation. “We’re talking about people getting sick, throwing up, and even seeing blood in their stool. It’s like they’re not taking our health seriously.”

According to prison officials, the outbreak was reported on Monday evening, and immediately after, the prison’s medical staff began investigating the cause of the illness. So far, over 50 prisoners have been affected, with many more suspecting that they may have contracted the illness as well.

The prisoners, who have been complaining about the quality of the food for weeks, are adamant that the boiled chicken is the culprit. “It’s like they’re trying to poison us,” said another prisoner. “We’ve been complaining about the food for months, and now they’re trying to cover it up by locking us down.”

The treatment the prisoners are receiving has also been criticized. Many are being rushed to the prison’s medical center, where they are being treated with antacids and other medications, but some have reported being left in their cells without proper medical attention.

The lockdown has also had a significant impact on the prison’s operations, with many prisoners being forced to go without basic necessities like showers and phone calls. The prison’s administrators have stated that the lockdown is necessary to prevent the spread of the illness, but prisoners are skeptical.

San Quentin Prison’s recent history has been marred by controversy and scandal, including allegations of gang violence, excessive use of force by guards, and poor living conditions. The latest illness outbreak has added to the already tense atmosphere, with many prisoners feeling that the prison’s administration is not taking their health and well-being seriously.

As the situation continues to unfold, prisoners and advocates are calling for a more comprehensive investigation into the cause of the illness and the prison’s response to it. Meanwhile, the prisoners are left to wait and wonder if they will be able to get back to their normal routines and enjoy the food that they pay for out of their own earnings.