"Regarding the shark menu, I want to emphasize that we at BGN will not permit the use of food ingredients deemed harmful," said BGN Deputy Head Nanik S. Deyang during a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday.
She explained that the MBG program is designed to utilize locally sourced ingredients in each region to meet the nutritional needs of its recipients.
"Every menu is tailored to local wisdom. For example, if Region A has an abundance of corn, we incorporate it into the program. The same principle applies to the region currently under scrutiny, which happens to have a plentiful supply of sharks," Deyang elaborated.
The official clarified that shark dishes were served only twice in Ketapang during the program’s implementation. She also urged the public not to hastily attribute all MBG-related issues to food poisoning.
"We should avoid carelessly linking every incident to poisoning, as other factors—such as allergies—may be involved. For instance, some individuals may be allergic to shrimp or even mayonnaise," she explained.
Deyang further assured the public that BGN would cover all medical expenses arising from MBG-related poisoning cases.
"We at BGN guarantee full coverage of medical costs. In Banggai Islands District, Central Sulawesi, we paid hospital bills totaling Rp350 million (approximately US$20,000). In fact, we have allocated billions of rupiahs for this purpose," she affirmed.
She emphasized that BGN would never place a financial burden on parents, schools, or local governments when treating affected individuals. "Hospitals are encouraged to contact us at BGN directly," she added.
Her remarks followed reports that 24 students and one teacher at a public elementary school in Ketapang allegedly experienced health issues after consuming an MBG meal featuring shark meat suspected of containing excessive mercury.
Related news: Safe from start to serve: How Tanah Sareal's MBG kitchen set standard
Related news: BGN covers all medical costs due to free meals food poisoning
Translator: Lintang B, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
