Mass Poisoning Case, Karangjati Blora SPPG Food Confirmed Contaminated E.coli
"BLORA - The results of the test of food and water samples sent to the Semarang Health Laboratory Center (BLK) confirmed the contamination of Escherichia coli (E.coli) bacteria in food served by SPPG Karangjati I Blora," said Secretary of the Regional Health Office of Blora Nur Betsia Regency.
"This has resulted in cases of mass food poisoning that befell three schools in Blora Regency, Central Java," he said in Blora, Monday, December 8.
Based on the results of laboratory tests that came out on Tuesday (25/11), the findings of E.coli bacteria were found in a number of food samples served by SPPG Karangjati I Blora. Similar contamination was detected in water samples from water towers in the kitchen.
"E.coli bacteria were identified in Woku chicken, pakcoy vegetables, melon fruit, and used water. The menu on the day of the incident included Woku chicken, tumis pakcoy carrots, tiramic sauce, and melon fruit," he said.
He said E.coli's contamination was strongly suspected to have been triggered by processing that did not meet standards, including imperfect cooking, material washing processes, and inadequate water quality.
Regarding E.coli's findings in water, the Health Office emphasized that these bacteria can actually be found naturally in small quantities.
"E.coli within certain limits is still reasonable. But when its levels exceed the normal threshold, bacteria can produce toxins that trigger health complaints like those experienced by students," he said.
The Health Office also highlighted allegations of food processing that did not meet standards, allowing bacteria to continue to grow and develop.
"The processing should follow certain procedures and time spans. If the initial stage is carried out at night without proper hygienic handling, bacteria have the opportunity to stay alive and thrive," he said.
Laboratory examinations were carried out on December 1, 2025 and the official results were received by the Blora Health Office on Thursday (4/12). This mass poisoning case befell students of SMP Negeri 1 Blora, Kristen Blora Junior High School, and Blora Catholic Middle School. A total of 810 students were recorded to have consumed food from the Free Nutrition Food program produced by SPPG Karangjati I.
Of these, he said, 444 students experienced symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, and dizziness, with details of five students being hospitalized, four students being treated at Rumkitban Blora (DKT), one student being treated at drRSoetijono Hospital Blora, 117 students undergoing outpatient care and 322 students experiencing mild symptoms without hospital treatment.
SPPG Karangjati I is currently temporarily suspended and is not yet operating. Recommendations regarding operational permits are still awaiting BGN's decision as the authorities over the MBG program.
"The Health Service only conducts epidemiological investigations. We have reported the results to the district and regional task force. The operational follow-up of the SPPG is entirely under the authority of BGN," he said.
The Blora Health Office ensures that inspections of environmental health for all kitchens of free nutritious food providers will continue to be tightened.