BPOM seeks involvement in monitoring of MBG meal prep

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) has said it should be involved in the supervision of food preparation for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.

During a meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR) here on Thursday, BPOM head Taruna Ikrar said that there are 13 items agreed upon with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) that involve collaboration with the BPOM.

However, in practice, not all of them involve the BPOM, he added.

"The most concrete example is meal preparation. We have personnel and expertise in monitoring food production. However, in the kitchens used for the MBG program, we have not been involved in assessing whether the kitchens meet standards," Ikrar said.

He further noted that the BPOM has the experience and competence to evaluate the ingredients used for cooking meals under the program. However, he said the agency has not been involved in that aspect.

The BPOM, he added, has communicated with BGN regarding its authority in ensuring food safety, as his side is seeking to protect children, who are among the beneficiaries of the program.

However, Ikrar acknowledged that the authority to implement the MBG Program lies with the BGN—and the BPOM respects this.

"It would not be reasonable to deploy our team when there is no access. We do have the authority under food safety regulations, but we must also recognize the respective authorities," he said.

The BPOM has recorded 17 extraordinary events of food poisoning related to the MBG Program.

Ikrar expressed the hope that the DPR would help arrange a meeting between the BPOM and BGN to synchronize cooperation between the two agencies.