JAKARTA - The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Dadan Hindayana revealed that there were 50 cases of poisoning in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program throughout January 2026.
However, he assessed that the figure was relatively small compared to the previous period, in line with the increase in the number of nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPG) at the beginning of this year.
He compared the figure to the conditions in September and October 2025, when the number of poisoning cases was recorded higher, although the number of SPPG was not as much as it is now.
"It is much smaller than when October or September (2025), even though the number of SPPGs has increased sharply. In January, thank God, there are still very few, although we want to target no incidents," said Dadan at the DKI Jakarta City Hall, Monday, February 9.
Dadan claimed that supervision of the implementation of MBG was tightened, especially for SPPG which was still violating, especially those in the heavy category. This step was taken to suppress the potential for similar incidents in the future.
"We will do certification, accreditation, so that later SPPG will have the same quality and we will minimize the incident," said Dadan.
In addition to supervision, BGN also prepares a special scheme for the distribution of MBG ahead of Ramadan. Dadan explained that there were four service mechanisms that were adjusted to the characteristics of the beneficiaries.
"First, for schoolchildren who are mostly fasting in the area, the food will be long-lasting food, which will be taken home and consumed during the break," he said.
Then, for schools in areas where the majority do not fast, MBG services will continue to run normally with fresh food at meal times as usual. Normal services are also provided to pregnant women, nursing mothers, and toddlers.
"Then for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, toddlers, the service is also normal," said Dadan.
As for SPPGs located in boarding schools, services are still carried out, but the time is shifted to the afternoon before breaking the fast.
Regarding the menu to be taken home, Dadan said that BGN had set the choice of food that is more durable and commonly consumed during Ramadan, such as dates, boiled eggs, salted eggs, pickled eggs, abalone, fruit, milk, and local desserts.
"We avoid as much as possible the products of large companies. Sometimes it's okay, but not every day. So we want to encourage MSMEs to be involved in the process of providing menus during Ramadan," he explained.
On the other hand, BGN is also trying to control the surge in demand for certain food items so that the distribution of MBG does not trigger price fluctuations during the month of Ramadan until Eid al-Fitr.
Dadan added that the request would be made through product substitution if there was an excess demand, as well as encouraging cooperation with BUMD to regulate food supplies ahead of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
"If it is excessive, we will shift to looking for substitutes. If there is less demand, we will encourage it and we will cooperate with BUMD," he added.
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