Ministry Of Health Accelerates Issuance Of MBG Kitchen Certificates To 2 Weeks

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has asked the health office to speed up the process of issuing a Sanitation Higiene Certificate (SLHS) within two weeks, to ensure the cleanliness and manufacture of the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) menu according to standards.

Head of the Communication and Public Information Bureau Aji Muhawarman said, to obtain SLHS, the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) must submit an application to the health office by attaching administrative requirements, laboratory test evidence according to quality standards, passing environmental health inspections, and food safety training certificates for food suppliers.

"This process refers to Permenkes No. 17/2024 and the Ministry of Health's NSPK guidelines regarding sanitation hygiene," said Aji in Jakarta, Tuesday, as quoted by Antara.

He explained, before the mandatory policy, only a small part of the boga or Food Processing Site (TPP) had SLHS. Detailed figures of SPPG certificate recipients are not yet available because the new SLHS policy is required for all SPPGs to start implementing the MBG program.

A number of indicators that are considered in the issuance of SLHS, he said, include locations, buildings, water facilities, ventilation, and waste disposal; cleanliness of equipment and processing facilities; the quality of raw materials that are unexpired and free of contamination.

In addition, health checks and clean behavior of food suppliers; control the cooking, storage, distribution process; as well as compliance with MBG's nutritional and food safety standards.

He reminded that SLHS can be revoked or suspended if the SPPG does not meet sanitary hygiene standards, there is a food poisoning KLB which is proven to come from the kitchen/TPP concerned.

"Violating environmental health regulations, not making improvements after being given a warning," he said.

His party is also trying to help SPPG meet these standards through training and SPPG assistance and field officers.

In addition, to make MBG a success, the Ministry of Health is also carrying out a number of efforts, starting from formulating nutritional standard guidelines, conducting monitoring, surveillance, and investigations in the event of a food poisoning KLB.

The Ministry of Health is also working with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), and local governments under supervision.

Aji also reminded MBG beneficiaries to maintain cleanliness while eating, by washing their hands with soap and running water before and after eating, using clean utensils and not sharing the eating utensils without washing.

"Check the food, make sure the color, smell, taste, and texture are normal before eating," he said.

In addition, he said, it is important to recognize symptoms of poisoning, and immediately report to the teacher or parents if symptoms are found.

"Eliminate the MBG dish because it is in accordance with nutritional standards to grow healthy and intelligent," he said.