Responding To MBG Toxic Cases In West Java, BGN Conducts Thorough Evaluation

The National Nutrition Agency will investigate the MBG poisoning case (doc. BGN).

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) responded to cases of poisoning experienced by a number of students at Bandung and Tasikmalaya schools after eating the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) menu.

This incident occurred on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Head of BGN, Dadan Hindayana, said that his party was taking quick steps to investigate the cause of this incident.

"In response to the emergence of similar cases in several regions, we affirm BGN's commitment to thoroughly investigate the causes and conduct a thorough evaluation to prevent similar incidents from recurring," he said in an official statement, Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Dadan said, BGN has deployed a joint investigation team to investigate this case. The food consumed has also been sent to the laboratory and is waiting for the test results which are expected to be reported in the next 10 days.

However, based on the results of the initial test conducted by a team of nutritionists of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) showed that the food was in good condition before being sent to the beneficiaries.

"We ensure that all processes, both processing and distribution are in accordance with operational standards. However, in-depth investigations are still needed to ensure critical points of the problem," he said.

BGN also ensured that the affected students had received medical treatment at local health facilities.

"We understand the concerns that arise in the community. For this reason, we urge all parties to remain calm and wait for the official results of the investigation. BGN will continue to provide information openly and responsibly," said Dadan.

BGN emphasized the importance of cross-party collaboration including educational units, nutritionists, food providers, and quality control institutions to ensure that the entire process of providing MBG, from material selection to distribution, meets consumption safety and feasibility standards.

As a corrective and preventive step, the National Nutrition Agency immediately tightened the food distribution procedures, especially for security protocols during the delivery process from the kitchen to school as well as limiting the maximum delivery time to maintain the quality of food.

Then, tighten the distribution mechanism in schools, including storage and delivery to students. Provide a time tolerance limit between foods is received and must be consumed immediately.

Finally, immediately carry out organolastic tests (view, aroma, taste, and texture tests) on food before it is distributed. The food poisoning case from the MBG menu has previously occurred in Cianjur, West Java. Then, in Bombana, Southeast Sulawesi, and Karanganyar, Central Java.

From this incident, BGN also took steps in addition to conducting food tests in the lab, as well as holding additional training for SPPG throughout Indonesia which is still running.