BGN Claims Nitrit In Melon Triggered 1,315 Residents Of West Bandung Toxic MBG Menu

Illustration: West Bandung Regent Jejeul Ismail (right) spoke with the parents of the poisoned victim at the Handling Command Post at the Cipongkor District Office, West Bandung Regency, West Java, Tuesday (23/9/2025). . BETWEEN PHOTO/Abdan Syarakura/rwa.

JAKARTA - The Independent Investigation Team of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) revealed that nitrit was the trigger for the poisoning of Free Nutrition Food (MBG) which hit 1,315 people in West Bandung Regency, West Java.

Natural substances in the soil or food can indeed be useful to help smooth the flow of blood in the body, but if the amount is too large, it can turn into a harmful substance, one of which triggers cancer.

"We conclude that the nitrit compound is the cause. Very high levels of nitrits were found in melon and lotek (nuturic vegetable) from samples from the rest of the school," said Head of the BGN Independent Investigation Team Karimah Muhammad in Jakarta, Friday, quoted by Antara.

Karimah investigated this case by meeting the victims, the doctor who treated the victims at the Cipongkor Health Center and Cililin Hospital, by studying the victim's main symptoms pattern.

In addition, the investigation team also checked the drugs given at the Puskesmas and RSUD to the victims, as well as studied the results of microbiological and toxicology tests from the West Java Regional Health Laboratory (Labkesda) which tested samples from the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) and from food remains at school.

According to Karimah, in each type of sample tested there are 3.91 and 3.54 mg/l nitrit. Whereas if you refer to the EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency), the maximum level of nitrits that can be consumed in drinks is 1 mg/l, while health authorities in Canada set 3 mg/l.

"So when referring to the EPA standard, the nitrit level in samples of food remains in schools is almost four times the maximum limit," he said.

As for the symptoms of dizziness or lightness of the head, he said, it appears because of the widening of blood vessels, which are also a characteristic of nitrate poisoning. These symptoms show considerable percentage, as much as 29 percent and are in second place after symptoms in the upper digestive tract.

"The weak symptoms and shortness of breath that some victims complained about also showed nitrit poisoning. Because nitrith can cause methemoglobinemia, where the ability of hemoglobin in the blood to bring oxygen decreases, so that body cells feel weak, and in the lungs feel short," he explained.

However, the BGN Independent investigation led by Karimah also did not find any malicious bacteria that caused food poisoning, such as Eschericia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus. In addition, the investigation team also did not find poison cyanide, arrangement, heavy metal or pesticides, except for nitrits in toxicology tests.

He emphasized that the impact of nitrits can be different for each individual, depending on the health conditions of each child.

"Those who have a strong body defense system or excellent detoxification can quickly or more easily remove nitrits from the body, after experiencing metabolism," said Karimah.