BGN Investigation Finds Nitrite in Pakcoy MBG Stir-Fry in Cianjur that Makes Students Poisoned

JAKARTA - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) revealed the results of an investigation related to the food safety incident in the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program in Cianjur Regency, West Java, on April 16, 2026.

The final report of the investigation found no bacterial contamination in most of the food menu served at the Leles 2 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG), Sukasirna, but found chemical contamination of nitrites in the fried pakcoy item above the normal limit. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).

"If you refer to the maximum limit of JECFA for nitrite, namely 0.07 mg/kg body weight per day. The fried pakcoy contains 11.85 mg/kg, so the findings in SPPG Leles 2 Cianjur are 169 times above the safe limit," said the Head of the BGN Independent Investigation Team, Arie Karimah Muhammad, as reported by ANTARA, Monday, May 11.

However, in the results of the investigation, it was stated that the majority of food samples were declared safe from bacterial contamination.

Based on the results of tests from the West Java Regional Health Laboratory (Labkesda), the menu dated April 13, 14, 15, 17, and 18, 2026 was proven negative for Salmonella sp, S. aureus, E.Coli, and B.cereus.

Arie explained that naturally, some fruits and vegetables can contain nitrites at levels that can increase due to bacterial activity that converts nitrates into nitrites.

"The suspected source of other contamination can come from the use of organic or excessive nitrogen fertilizers, contaminated groundwater from human or animal waste, or chemical plant waste around agricultural land," he said.

As a follow-up, the investigation team asked the System and Governance and Monitoring and Supervision of BGN to hold a serious meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture to discuss this case in depth.

"The findings of nitrite are considered very serious and have the potential to have a wide impact on food safety," said Arie.

He emphasized that nitrites can trigger the condition of methaemoglobinemia, which is a condition when the ability of hemoglobin in the blood to carry oxygen throughout the body decreases.

"As a result, the body can feel weak and shortness of breath appears, because the body's cells lack oxygen," he said.

This case was previously in the spotlight after a number of students were reported to have experienced symptoms of health disorders after consuming food from the MBG program.

The local government together with health agencies then conducted laboratory examinations on food samples as well as evaluations of the food distribution and processing processes.