West Java Labkesda Results: Salmonella-Bacillus Cereus Bacteria Cause Students In West Bandung Toxic After MBG Santap

Evacuation of poisoned victims at the Handling Command Post at the Cipongkor District Office, West Bandung Regency, West Java. (Photo: ANTARA)

BANDUNG - The Regional Health Laboratory (Labkesda) of West Java revealed that Salmonella and Bacillus Cereus bacteria were the main causes of a number of students in Bandung Regency being poisoned after eating food for the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) program.

The bacteria were found from food samples for the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) program which were examined by the laboratory team.

"The results of our examination show that there are decomposed bacteria, namely Salmonella and Bacillus Cereus, which come from carbohydrate components in food," said Head of the Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) of the West Java Health Service, Dr Ryan Bayustantika Ristan, as reported by ANTARA, Sunday, September 28.

He explained that one of the main causes of contamination was the time span for preparation to the recitation of foods that were too long, allowing bacteria to breed.

"If food is stored at room temperature for more than six hours, especially without proper temperature control, the risk of bacteria growing is very high," he said.

Ryan emphasized the importance of maintaining hygiene in the food processing process, ranging from the use of clean water to the cleanliness of kitchen staff.

He advised foods to be stored at temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius or below 5 degrees Celsius to prevent decay.

"Cookers must also wear gloves, clean clothes, and make sure there is no contaminated from other ingredients," he said.

The West Java Health Office also appealed to all parties involved in the MBG program to tighten food security protocols to prevent similar incidents from happening again in the future.

Previously, more than 1,333 students were suspected of having experienced mass poisoning after eating food from the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) program in Cipongkor District, West Bandung Regency, until Friday, September 26.

Apart from West Bandung, some time before, as many as 657 people experienced symptoms of poisoning due to consuming MBG in Kadungora District, Garut Regency.