“This time we are coordinating with BPOM to supervise the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG),” he said.
The move follows several complaints from students and parents regarding MBG meals served at schools that were suspected of being spoiled or unfit for consumption.
He explained that the Health Office does not have the authority to directly monitor the menu or nutritional content of MBG meals, as the program falls fully under the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). Each MBG kitchen is required to have at least one nutritionist on staff.
“Of the 50 personnel working in an MBG kitchen, 47 are staff members, one is the head, one handles administration, and one is a nutritionist responsible for overseeing nutritional standards,” he said.
During the current inspection, the Health Office and BPOM focused on ensuring that meals prepared in MBG kitchens were free from harmful substances such as formalin or borax, and that proper food processing and hygiene practices were followed.
The monitoring is aimed at preventing foodborne illnesses, ensuring adequate nutrition to support children’s growth and development, and avoiding potential health risks for students.
“Once again, our role is to act as supervisors if cases of food poisoning or other health problems occur,” Emirald emphasized.
He added that the Health Office cannot directly inspect schools or kitchens for licensing matters. In the event of an incident, the office is only authorized to report cases through a national reporting system provided by the Ministry of Health.
Based on information received, there are about 13 MBG kitchens operating in Mataram City, but only five have formally reported their presence to the Health Office.
“Eight kitchens still need to be confirmed through the SPPG,” he said.
Of the five kitchens that reported, three have actively coordinated with the Health Office. These are the MBG kitchens in Selaparang Sub-district, Sekarbela Sub-district, and Pagutan Urban Village, which were among the first established when the program was launched in January 2025.
“We ensure that every licensed MBG kitchen employs a nutritionist. This highlights the importance of having nutrition experts in every MBG kitchen,” he added.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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