 |
| Deputy Head of BGN Threatens Criminal Charges Against Negligent Kitchen Providers After Thousands of Students Poisoned by MBG. |
More than 5,000 students across several cities were reported to have suffered food poisoning linked to the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.
Following the incident, Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Nanik S Deyang on Friday (September 26, 2025) warned that anyone found negligent or deliberately contaminating MBG meals—including kitchen operators under the Nutrition Program Provider Unit (SPPG)—could face criminal charges.
Based on BGN’s internal investigation, 45 SPPGs were found violating standard operating procedures (SOP), with 40 of them immediately shut down for an indefinite period.
“This is not just negligence—it’s about the safety of our children. We will not hesitate to bring this matter to court if there is evidence of intent or deliberate neglect,” Nanik stated in an official release.
She added that closing 40 SPPGs was an emergency step to prevent similar incidents. Meanwhile, the remaining five SPPGs are under strict supervision and daily monitoring from BGN.
The Ministry of Health, which also monitored the case, confirmed that the mass poisoning stemmed from poor food storage and lack of hygiene checks.
“Most cases were caused by improper handling and failure to perform regular quality checks. We are now working closely with BGN to ensure improvements,” said Ministry of Health spokesperson Dr. Hendra Saputra.
He also stressed that MBG, as a national program, must be implemented with discipline since it directly affects schoolchildren’s health.
The closure of dozens of MBG kitchens is expected to disrupt food distribution in some regions. However, BGN reassured that meal supplies would continue.
“We are relocating kitchens and partnering with new providers who fully comply with SOP standards. Services must go on, but with much stricter food safety guarantees,” Nanik explained.
Moving forward, BGN also plans to tighten SPPG certification systems, including conducting unannounced audits.