JAKARTA - The case of students being poisoned under the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program remains a hot topic. The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, has revealed potential causes.
Dadana assessed that the MBG poisoning involves a fairly long supply chain, meaning the causes could be diverse, from the selection of raw materials to the distribution of food to beneficiaries.
"Especially in terms of the process, the selection of raw materials and then the processing time," Dadan said at the Ministry of Public Works office in Jakarta on Tuesday, August 5.
He explained that the process of preparing and serving food has become a concern following the discovery of MBG poisoning cases. Furthermore, the child's condition is also a factor in the poisoning.
He explained that a child's illness can affect the consumption of MBG menu items, making it appear that the poisoning is caused by the food.
"Because the food can be fine, but the child is sick. So, because they are eating nutritious food, it seems like the illness is caused by the food, and the vomiting is caused by the food. Once, a child in one class vomited, even though the child was sick, and the whole school vomited," he said.
Regarding this matter, Dadan expressed regret over the MBG food poisoning incidents at several locations. Therefore, going forward, his team will tighten procedures for serving MBG to recipients.
"Regarding the food poisoning, we still regret it, because our target is to have zero incidents," Dadan explained.
"Even though the number is small, it still undermines public trust in us. However, we are working to improve our standard operating procedures," he concluded.
Previously, 215 students in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) experienced symptoms of mass food poisoning after consuming food from the MBG program in July 2025.
The incident spread across two regions: 140 students from SMPN 8 Kupang and 75 students from three schools in Southwest Sumba Regency.
Reported symptoms included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and itching. As a result, several students had to be rushed to various hospitals in their respective areas.
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