Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Eddy Soeparno stated that the recent food poisoning cases should prompt an evaluation to improve the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program.

He highlighted the MBG program's crucial role in meeting the nutritional needs of Indonesia’s younger generation.

“The incidents in Bogor and Cianjur are a reminder that the program must be accompanied by stronger implementation systems on the ground,” he noted in a written statement received here on Saturday.

Soeparno expressed his support for all mitigation measures taken in response to the food poisoning incident. He also supports a thorough evaluation and follow-up improvement process.

He also expressed his readiness to assist in the recovery process so that affected students can return to school.

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He stressed the importance of ensuring that MBG meals meet the health standards set by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).

Moreover, he lauded the Bogor City administration's quick response in launching follow-up epidemiological investigations at 13 schools, in coordination with local health centers and hospitals, including the collection of vomit samples from hospitalized students.

“A comprehensive evaluation is essential to ensure that the MBG program operates with better standards in health, safety, quality, and nutritional value,” he remarked.

Soeparno further stressed the need for strengthened supervision and refinement of operational procedures, covering food processing, packaging, and distribution.

He noted that in a program as extensive as MBG, all technical aspects, from food ingredients to the use of containers, require maximum attention to ensure that meals provided to children are not only nutritious but also safe for consumption.

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