IDAI Delivers Open Letter To BGN Affected By MBG Toxics

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) highlighted cases of food poisoning in children in various areas during the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) activity.

This was conveyed through the official Instagram upload of IDAI and the Chairman of the IDAI Central Executive Board, Dr. Dr. Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, SpA, with the title "Open Letter for the National Nutrition Agency (BGN)".

In the letter, IDAI said that the occurrence of repeated poisoning in the MBG program had a dangerous impact on children. Therefore, the program must be considered more so that it does not happen again and again.

"The MBG program actually aims noblely to improve the nutritional and health status of Indonesian children, but this poisoning incident continues to repeat itself which actually poses a serious risk to child safety," IDAI wrote, quoted on Monday, September 29, 2025.

"There are even toddlers and pregnant women who are also affected, so this vulnerable group should also be included in the main concern," he added.

To handle the poisoning case, IDAI admits that it is ready to cooperate with all parties involved, in order to provide nutritious food well for Indonesian children.

"IDAI is ready to work with the government, schools, and the public to ensure that Free Nutrition Food really provides better health, nutrition, and future benefits for Indonesian children," he added.

There are 5 points in IDAI's open letter for BGN, related to the handling of MBG poisoning cases that have occurred a lot recently, as follows.

1. The safety of children and vulnerable groups is a top priority. Children, toddlers, and pregnant women are vulnerable groups that must be protected from the risk of food poisoning.

2. Food safety must be prioritized. Processes of providing, processing, sweeping, and distribution of food must follow food safety standards (food safety) to prevent contamination.

3. The quality of nutrition and balance of the menu needs to be guaranteed. The MBG menu should be compiled by nutritionists by taking into account the nutritional needs of children to support optimal growth and development.

4. Supervision must be tightened. The Nutrition Service Unit (SPPG) and all its equipment must be certified and always monitored and evaluated by the National Nutrition Agency.

5. Proseudr mitigation and complaint services for poisoning cases must be prepared in the MBG program. It is necessary to prepare mitigation procedures for poisoning cases involving the government, schools, pediatricians, health workers, and the community. Empowerment of community complaints services is needed to overcome various existing problems.