A Qualitative Inquiry About Pruno, an Illicit Alcoholic Beverage Linked to Botulism Outbreaks in United States Prisons

Abstract

Pruno making was frequent in this prison. Improved staff recognition of pruno ingredients and supplies might improve detection of brewing activities in this and other prisons. Consistent consequences and clear messages about the association between pruno and botulism might prevent outbreaks.

Outbreak of Botulism Due to Illicit Prison-Brewed Alcohol: Public Health Response to a Serious and Recurrent Problem

“…Until nationwide prevention strategies can be implemented, we suspect more botulism outbreaks linked to pruno will occur because of the reported ubiquity of pruno in correctional facilities [13][14][15]. Qualitative interviews with inmates and staff at prison A 4 months after this outbreak yielded information about how pruno is prepared [16]; this information, along with evidence collected during the investigation, indicates that inmates were innovative in repurposing items to prepare pruno. Considerations for decreasing botulism outbreaks have included curbing inmate access to ingredients and supplies and increasing awareness among prison officials and inmates about the risk of a life-threatening illness from pruno.…”

“…Prison A now punctures holes in plastic bags used for laundry and purchases from the commissary to discourage pruno production. The results of a CDC investigation of pruno preparation at this prison [16] may inform prison officials in developing recommendations specific to their facilities.…”

A global review of prison drug smuggling routes and trends in the usage of drugs in prisons

“…Alcohol has also been found to be a prevalent drug in prison in some countries, including Nigeria (Amdzaranda et al, 2009), Canada (Correctional Research and Development, 1995; Martin et al, 2005), the United States (Seal et al, 2004; Simpler & Langhinrichsen‐Rohling, 2005), Brazil (Puga et al, 2017), France (Sahajian et al, 2017), Spain (Caravaca‐Sánchez & Wolff, 2020), and England (Swann & James, 1998). Alcohol in prison, often known as hooch or pruno, is most often consumed around holidays, televised sporting events, and birthdays (Adams et al, 2015; Walters et al, 2015; Yasmin et al, 2015). It is typically made using fruit, sugar, and bread stockpiled from meals, commissary purchases, or kitchen duty (George et al, 2009; Inciardi et al, 1993; Vugia et al, 2009; Walters et al, 2015; Yasmin et al, 2015).…”

Routes of Transmission in the Food Chain

“…In recent years, a novel form of botulism has been attributed to pruno, an alcoholic beverage made by inmates (Walters et al, 2015). Pruno is prepared by fermentation from water, fruit, sugar, and miscellaneous ingredients (Walters et al, 2015).…”

“…In recent years, a novel form of botulism has been attributed to pruno, an alcoholic beverage made by inmates (Walters et al, 2015). Pruno is prepared by fermentation from water, fruit, sugar, and miscellaneous ingredients (Walters et al, 2015). It was first recognized as a vehicle for botulism in 2004 and 2005, in two outbreaks from California (Vugia et al, 2009).…”