Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is committed to continuously strengthening the quality of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program by imposing stricter standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all MBG kitchens.

The move follows a directive from President Prabowo Subianto to ensure that the national priority program not only achieves a broad reach but also meets established quality standards.

BGN Head Dadan Hindayana confirmed in Jakarta on Tuesday that hundreds of MBG kitchens—officially named Nutritional Fulfilment Service Units (SPPGs)—remain under temporary suspension for failing to meet technical and operational requirements.

Out of 1,030 units suspended, 760 are currently undergoing improvement and evaluation.

"The President emphasized that all units failing to meet standards must suspend operations until thorough improvements are made. This is vital to ensure the quality of the MBG service is maintained and provides optimal benefits to the public," he remarked.

He explained that several factors led to the suspensions, including the lack of Hygiene and Sanitation Fitness Certificates (SLHS), a lack of wastewater treatment plants, food failing to meet nutritional standards, and various other technical aspects that still need to be addressed.

Furthermore, BGN highlighted that some meals provided during Ramadan were deemed too simple, leading to negative public perception. Addressing this issue is considered a key part of the comprehensive effort to improve service quality.

The agency emphasized that the MBG program must be carried out by prioritizing the provision of fresh food with portions that meet nutritional standards and the needs of beneficiaries.

To this end, evaluation continues to be carried out so that all the suspended kitchens can operate again with better services.

By imposing stricter standards, the BGN aims to optimize the program's impact on public nutrition and bolster public trust in this priority initiative.

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