Hundreds Of SMKN Students In Batang Poisoned By MBG Menu, Regency Government: E-coli Bacteria Pollution

JAKARTA - The Batang Regency Government (Pemkab) in Central Java stated that the cause of food poisoning among 800 students of the Kandeman State Vocational High School (SMKN) under the Free Nutritional Meal (MBG) program was Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria in the menu.

Acting Head of the Batang Regency Health Office, Ida Susilaksmi, stated that this was based on test results from the Central Java Province Health Laboratory and Medical Device Testing Center.

"Laboratory results found microbiological contamination in the water, rice, and chicken samples tested," she said in Batang on Wednesday, as quoted by Antara.

According to her, E. coli bacteria are generally found in the human large intestine. Therefore, if the intake is small and the immune system is healthy, the body can tolerate it without causing any symptoms.

"However, when our immune system is low and the microbe count is high, symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting can occur," she said.

She said the water in the drinks sampled was also detected as containing E. coli due to unhygienic sanitation.

"Therefore, we emphasize the importance of compliance with hygiene and sanitation standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs) that provide food under the program," she said.

Ida explained that there are several important points that SPPGs must comply with, including hygiene and sanitation certificates, comprehensive supervision, and control of distribution times, food storage areas, and water quality.

"We hope that all SPPGs will meet all these requirements and comply with them, as well as conduct regular evaluations. We also continue to conduct regular inspections and require SPPGs to conduct routine self-evaluations," she said.