Zero Tolerance! BGN Threatens to Fire Officers who Ignore MBG SOPs

JAKARTA - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) will tighten supervision of the implementation of the free nutritious meal program (MBG), especially regarding food safety and compliance with food processing procedures.

Head of BGN Sudaryono emphasized that he would not tolerate violations that could endanger the health of beneficiaries. This attitude was conveyed after he visited hundreds of students at SMK Negeri 6 Semarang who were undergoing treatment at a number of hospitals in Semarang City due to alleged food safety incidents, Saturday, August 1.

"I as the new Head of BGN, ensure zero tolerance for poisoning, corruption, and hanky-panky (deviant and dishonest actions), passing money, it can't be anymore," said Sudaryono as reported by Antara, Sunday, August 2.

According to Sudaryono, the consistent implementation of standard operating procedures (SOP) is an important part of preventing similar problems from happening again. Therefore, all Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) are asked to ensure that every stage of food processing runs according to the provisions.

He also placed the head of the SPPG as the party in control of the kitchen operations. The head of the SPPG must ensure that the chef, nutrition supervisor, and all officers carry out the applicable provisions, including when there are workers who do not comply with the rules.

"So that it doesn't happen again, you have to follow the SOP. The system is also followed, then the commander is the head of the SPPG. I understand that you have a chef, a nutrition supervisor, or people who work there, maybe there are one or two who are ngeyel, so there must be a firm leadership there," he said.

Sudaryono emphasized that supervision should not stop at administrative procedures. Basic practices in maintaining food hygiene, such as washing hands, wearing gloves, and wearing masks while working in the kitchen, must be carried out properly.

If the officers still ignore the provisions after being given directions, the head of the SPPG is asked to take firm action. According to Sudaryono, food safety must be placed above other interests because it is directly related to the health and safety of MBG recipients.

"If, for example, there are employees in the kitchen, it may be difficult to know how to wash their hands, or to wear SOPs, wear gloves, wear masks, yes, it must be removed, it must be firm! Because the health and life of a person is very important, it can't be tolerated anymore," said Sudaryono.