Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan told a press conference at the Health Ministry that the review will cover all Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs), not just those linked to outbreaks.
He said the measure was one of the key points discussed at a coordination meeting on handling emergencies in the MBG program earlier on Sunday.
Alongside the review, the government will temporarily shut kitchens found to be problematic, Hasan said, stressing the need to restore public confidence in the program’s food safety.
He added that SPPGs must sterilize utensils and improve sanitation, particularly water quality and waste management. Each unit will also be required to obtain a hygiene and sanitation certificate to meet program standards.
The Health Ministry will strengthen monitoring by mobilizing community health centers (puskesmas) and school health programs (UKS) to oversee SPPGs across the country.
The coordination meeting was attended by senior officials, including Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, and Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Arifah Fauzi.
Related news: RI Govt makes hygiene certificate mandatory for free meals kitchens
Also present were National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Head Dadan Hindayana, Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) Head Taruna Ikrar, Government Communications Agency Head Angga Raka Prabowo, Presidential Chief of Staff Muhammad Qodari, Deputy Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Fajar Riza Ul Haq, and BGN Deputy Head Nanik S. Deyang.
Launched in January, the MBG program aims to improve the nutrition of 82.9 million beneficiaries, including children under five, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and school students up to the high school level.
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) earlier reported that 70 cases of food poisoning were recorded from January to September 2025, with 5,914 beneficiaries affected.
As a response, the BGN will recruit around 60 thousand certified chefs to strengthen food quality in the program.
Related news: RI Govt to optimize health centers to monitor free meals kitchens
Translator: Tri Meilani, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
