Prabowo orders safety tests at MBG kitchens amid poisoning outbreak

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto has ordered all nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPGs)—kitchens dedicated to the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program—to use rapid food safety testing devices to ensure meal quality.

"Mr. President has instructed that every SPPG be equipped with rapid testing tools to examine the safety of cooked food before distribution. This order has already been implemented at SPPGs operated by the National Police," National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Head Dadan Hindayana stated.

He made the statement during a meeting with Commission IX of the House of Representatives (DPR) in Jakarta on Wednesday, following reports of food poisoning cases allegedly linked to spoiled food from the MBG program.

The president’s directive seeks to prevent such incidents from recurring.

Hindayana informed lawmakers that as of September 30, a total of 6,456 people had been affected by MBG-related food poisoning. In response, the BGN suspended SPPGs found responsible for the lapses.

"We have taken measures against SPPGs that violated standard operating procedures and caused public concern. They have been temporarily shut down until all necessary processes are completed," he said.

He added that the government had tightened the selection of food ingredient and material suppliers and required every MBG kitchen to obtain Hygiene and Sanitation Eligibility Certificates (SLHS).

In addition, all SPPGs have been required to use equipment that ensures cutlery provided to recipients is sterile.

The BGN chief explained that most food poisoning cases stemmed from SPPGs failing to comply with agency standards. For instance, while SPPGs are required to process food ingredients no later than two days after procurement, some have been found storing them for up to four days.

Moreover, some kitchens reportedly took up to 12 hours to prepare and distribute meals, far exceeding the standard timeframe of four to six hours.