“Problematic SPPGs have been temporarily closed for evaluation and investigation,” Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan stated during a press conference on Sunday at the Health Ministry office, addressing the poisoning incidents linked to the MBG program.
He explained that the evaluation will cover key aspects such as staff discipline, food quality, and kitchen personnel competence.
“This evaluation is not limited to affected locations—it applies to all SPPGs,” he emphasized.
Minister Hasan also instructed all SPPGs to sterilize dining equipment and enhance sanitation procedures, particularly in relation to water quality and waste management systems.
“All aspects will be thoroughly assessed and investigated,” he added.
Meanwhile, the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) reported 70 food poisoning incidents between January and September 2025, affecting at least 5,914 MBG recipients.
Of these, nine cases involving 1,307 individuals occurred in Sumatra, including Lebong District in Bengkulu and Bandar Lampung City in Lampung Province.
In Java, 41 cases were reported, impacting 3,610 recipients. In Region III—which includes Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku, Papua, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara—20 cases affected 997 individuals.
BGN also confirmed the presence of various harmful bacteria in contaminated meals, including E. coli found in water, rice, tofu, and chicken.
Laboratory tests detected Staphylococcus aureus in tempeh and meatballs; Salmonella in chicken, eggs, and vegetables; Bacillus cereus in noodles; and coliform, Klebsiella, and Proteus in contaminated water.
Minister Hasan further called for the involvement of regional healthcare workers to ensure that food supplies remain both nutritious and safe.
Related news: BGN covers all medical costs due to free meals food poisoning
Related news: RI Govt disburses $792M for Free Nutritious Meals program
Translator: Putu, Kenzu
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
