Correctional Meal Serving products come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Each with different benefits and safety features. Today we are going to take a look at the different choices in correctional meal serving and what each one is utilized for.

Polycarbonate:Dinnerware made of this material has been produced for a long time. Polycarbonate is durable and long lasting. As a result of its good impact resistance, the food compartment won't have as many tiny dings at the bottom as one made of softer materials. However, this material does have its disadvantages. Due to its hardness, products made of this material have the potential to be sharpened into weapons because they can be broken and shattered.

Co-Polymer:This more recent material combines durability with added safety and a low initial purchase price. It is made from a mixture of polypropylene and impact modifiers. This substance can withstand moisture without degrading. The material does not typically shatter because it is more elastic. Our Cook’s Brand Co-Polymer meal serving options are both stain resistant and odor resistant. We offer a wide variety of meal serving products that are constructed out of our special blend of co-polymer.

Insulated trays:What sets these trays apart from the rest is the insulating foam in the middle of trays. The foam is injected into the plastic shell as a liquid and expands polyurethane. The foam expands and fills the interior as it dries, providing insulating qualities that keep hot food hotter for longer and cold food colder for longer. Naturally, maintaining food temperatures and giving you a little more time to deliver the food at safe food temperatures without using heated carts are the main advantages of this type of tray and material. At Cook’s we have a wide variety of insulated compartment trays.

Silicone:This material is incredibly flexible and can withstand temperatures of more than 450°F. It won't shatter, chip, or crack. It cleans well and exhibits good chemical resistance. This material's main benefit for prison dinnerware is that it can be used in high-temperature applications but is difficult to make into a weapon. This material has been intended for use in high security facilities such as mental hospitals, suicide watch cells, and segregation units. Our Flex Line is the most secure option when is comes to meal serving in correctional settings.

Pliable Plastic:This material was introduced as a less expensive silicone substitute. It is designed for applications requiring the highest level of security where making weapons is the main concern. It won't break, crack, or chip like silicone. Our Cook’s Brand Sentry Series Line features compartment trays, lids, mugs, tumblers, and Sporks.

If you have any questions regarding the purchase of new foodservice supplies, feel free to reach out. We are happy to assist you with any questions you may have.