“The laboratory tests showed that the water used at six Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) or MBG kitchens in West Bandung met the required standards,” said the head of BGN’s Independent Investigation Team, Arie Karimah Muhammad, on Tuesday.
She explained that physical, chemical, and microbiological analyses conducted on water samples from the six SPPGs - Cipongkor Cijambu, Cipongkor Neglasari, Cisarua Jambudipa, Cisarua Pasirlangu, Lembang Kayu Ambon, and Lembang Cibodas 2 - confirmed that the water quality complied with existing regulations.
The examination was carried out by the West Bandung District Public Health Laboratory on October 23, 2025.
“There is no need for further debate; the water quality issue has been clarified,” Karimah emphasized.
Earlier, seven MBG kitchens in West Bandung had been linked to food poisoning incidents that occurred after students ate school meals in September and October 2025, affecting hundreds of students in each case.
Laboratory tests showed that the water used at the Cihampelas SPPG did not meet the standards due to manganese and iron contamination, as well as the presence of coliform bacteria colonies.
To prevent further contamination, BGN instructed all SPPGs to use bottled gallon water for cooking MBG meals.
“BGN continues to require all SPPGs to prepare MBG meals using water from certified gallon bottles,” Karimah reminded.
The first MBG-related poisoning in West Bandung occurred on September 26, 2025. The meals were supplied by three kitchens namely Cipongkor Cijambu, Cipongkor Neglasari, and Cihampelas.
An investigation report released on October 17 found high levels of nitrite contamination in melon and lotek - a traditional West Javanese vegetable salad served with peanut sauce and topped with tempeh or tofu.
Subsequent poisoning incidents were reported at two kitchens in Cisarua, Cisarua Jambudipa on October 14 and Cisarua Pasirlangu on October 15, 2025.
“In these two cases, further analysis could not be carried out because the investigation team did not receive laboratory test results for the meals served,” Karimah added.
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Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Primayanti
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