SANTA ANA, Calif. — An Orange County inmate who disliked salami got special meals after declaring his religious belief in the Festivus holiday celebrated on the television show “Seinfeld.”

The Orange County Register reports Monday that 38-year-old convicted drug dealer Malcolm Alarmo King asked for kosher meals at the Theo Lacy jail to maintain his healthy physique.

But sheriff’s officials reserve kosher meals for inmates with a religious need.

Judge Derek G. Johnson demanded a religious reason for King to receive the meals and defense attorney Fred Thiagarajah cited his client’s devotion to Festivus — a holiday celebrated on “Seinfeld” with an aluminum pole and the airing of grievances.

Sheriff’s Department spokesman Ryan Burris says King got salami-free meals for two months before the county got the order thrown out in court.

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Information from: The Orange County Register, http://www.ocregister.com