BGN Now Requires MBG Kitchen Led By Certified Chefs

Illustrations-SMA Negeri Students in Kalirejo, Central Lampung, are enjoying the MBG program dish. ANTARA/Ruth Intan Sozometa Kanafi

JAKARTA - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) issued a new regulation requiring all nutritional fulfillment service units (SPPG) or MBG kitchens to have a certified chef's head.

This is BGN's response to thousands of cases of food safety incidents for the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) program in Indonesia.

"We make another rule that the provisions for all SPPG kitchens must be led by certified chefs," Nanik said at a press conference at the BGN office, Central Jakarta, Friday, September 26.

According to Nanik, each MBG kitchen must have two certified chefs consisting of one BGN representative chef and one chef who is prepared by partners or SPPG in the kitchen.

Then, BGN also prohibits MBG kitchens from using foodstuffs that are not fresh. Because, this is the cause of hundreds of MBG poisoning students in West Bandung Regency, some time ago.

"I also do not tolerate raw materials, raw materials that are used if not fresh because the incident in Bandung is beyond reason. How the raw materials are in a fresh condition, the chicken purchased on Saturday is only cooked on Wednesday," he said.

Furthermore, Nanik revealed that 45 SPPGs were caught not carrying out the MBG supply process according to procedures from the government. Of the dozens who violated the SOP, 40 of them had been closed until the investigation and repair of the facilities were completed.

In the aftermath of health incidents and poisoning symptoms experienced by thousands of students after consuming MBG, BGN gave an ultimatum to all SPPGs to complete a number of certifications to ensure their MBG kitchens were safe.

"We give a time limit of one month to complete the SLHS (Spatian higine-worthy certificate), halal certificate, and certificate for use of suitable water within one month," explained Nanik.

If within one month it turns out that the SPPG does not fulfill these three things, BGN will close their operations and release them as partners providing MBG.

"We will not mess with the health of children in Indonesia. And I really regret the consequences of these 45 kitchens, now 9,400 other kitchens can be threatened," he said.

Based on BGN records, there were at least 70 cases of poisoning and health incidents after consuming MBG until September 25, 2025, with 5,914 people affected.