Correct The Issue, BGN: There Is No Distribution Of Raw Materials In The MBG Program

Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Dadan Hindayana (ANTARA)

Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Dadan Hindayana emphasized that there has never been a policy of distributing raw materials in the free nutritious food program (MBG).

He said this was in response to a polemic related to the distribution of snacks and raw materials in the MBG program.

"There is no policy to distribute raw materials. This program is a nutritional intervention through nutritious food ready for consumption, not the provision of raw materials," said Dadan when met at IPDN, Jatinangor, Sumedang, Tuesday, June 24, quoted from Antara.

He conveyed that the case was only found in one of the 1,885 nutritional fulfillment service units (SPPG) spread nationally.

"If only one SPPG has a different practice, it means that only these individuals misunderstand the procedure. A total of 1,884 others continue to follow official guidelines. Errors cannot be generalized," he said.

Regarding the implementation of MBG during the school holidays, Dadan stated that the distribution of nutritious food is very dependent on the presence of students at school.

Students may come from remote areas. If they are willing to come once a week, we will provide nutritious food that is immediately consumed, plus ready-to-eat supplies for two days. Such as boiled eggs, fruits, milk, nuts, or pastries that have been enriched with nutrients. Not raw materials, "he explained.

If no students or teachers are present during the school holidays, the MBG program for students is temporarily suspended. However, MBG services for pregnant, lactating, and toddlers are still running.

Services for vulnerable groups such as pregnant, lactating, and toddlers are still being carried out, even during holidays. Distribution is carried out directly to the house or posyandu, six days a week," added Dadan.

Previously, MBG received the spotlight after reports of distribution of raw materials and ultra-process food in the South Tangerang area, Banten. Photos circulating on social media show various ingredients such as rice, instant foods, biscuits, UHT milk, cyclone eggs, salted fish, and fruits that are referred to as part of the MBG menu for students.

The MBG public kitchen responsible for the incident claimed it was a form of creativity because schools were entering a holiday period.