“The MBG program is a major step for the nation's future. But we must not focus solely on the words ‘free’ and ‘nutritious’. The meals must also be safe," she remarked in a statement here on Saturday.
She stressed that safe and healthy food is the foundation for building a stronger, smarter, and more competitive future generation.
Lestari said MBG reflects the government’s strong commitment to shaping a golden generation. However, the program must be supported by strict food safety and hygiene measures.
According to her, food poisoning incidents become a reminder of the importance of oversight and strict standards to ensure the meals are truly safe.
She outlined three main reasons food safety must be a top priority: to protect children’s health, to prevent mass food poisoning incidents, and to ensure MBG quality through compliance with national standards such as SNI ISO 22000.
She also proposed several steps: applying clean kitchen SOPs, providing balanced meals, implementing regular audits and inspections, and using supporting technologies like monitoring apps and cold chain systems.
It is important not to overlook the importance of routine health screenings for kitchen staff. In addition to general health checks, screenings for infectious diseases such as hepatitis, tuberculosis (TB), and typhoid must also be conducted.
“Healthy food must be free from biological, chemical, and physical hazards. Adhering to food safety standards is important so the program delivers both nutrition and protection for the beneficiaries,” she concluded.
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Translator: Feru, Kenzu
Editor: Arie Novarina
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