MBG Toxic Cases Are In The Spotlight, Coordinating Minister Zulhas Requires School Kitchen Hygienic Certification

The Extraordinary Event Management Press Conference (KLB) in the Free Nutrition Food Priority Program (MBG) at the Ministry of Health Office, Jakarta, Sunday (28/9/2025). (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The poisoning case that has hit thousands of recipients of the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) program in recent months has made the public anxious and questioned food safety standards.

Data from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) noted that from January to September 2025 there had been 70 food safety incidents, with a total of 5,914 children affected.

The majority of cases were caused by contamination of dangerous bacteria such as E-coli, staphylococcus aureus, salmonella, to bacillus cereus found in water, rice, tempeh, chicken, and noodles.

Responding to this situation, the Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan emphasized firm steps. He requires all Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) as the manager of the MBG kitchen to have a Higienic and Sanitation Like Certificate (SLHS).

"Every kitchen must have a SLHS, it is non-negotiable. Otherwise, the poisoning case will repeat itself," Zulhas said at a press conference at the Ministry of Health Office, as quoted by Antara.

Zulhas emphasized that this certification is an absolute requirement so that the food served for children is truly safe. He also asked the Ministry of Health together with health centers throughout Indonesia to carry out routine supervision of the operation of the MBG kitchen.

"The safety of children receiving MBG is a top priority. All steps must be taken openly so that the public believes the food served is safe and nutritious," he added.

The details of BGN show that 41 cases occurred in Java with 3,610 children affected, making them the area with the most incidents. Followed by Sumatra with 9 cases and 1,307 children affected, including in Lebong Regency (Bengkulu) and Bandar Lampung City. Meanwhile, 20 other cases were spread in Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku, Papua, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara, with a total of 997 children affected.

The government emphasizes that prevention efforts do not only stop at handling cases, but also comprehensive prevention through kitchen sanitation standards, supervision of raw materials, and distribution of food. The hope is that the MBG program can continue to run according to its noble goals: providing healthy, safe, and nutritious food for all Indonesian children.