The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is investigating a food poisoning case linked to the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program in Karo, North Sumatra, after finding that fish used in the meals was not placed in a freezer for 12 hours, according to detikHealth.
The investigation follows reports that dozens of students in Berastagi fell ill after consuming the school meals. BGN chief visited the victims, and the agency is now considering several corrective measures, including installing CCTV cameras in MBG kitchens and deploying food safety test kits across all SPPG (School Food Service Units), as reported by Kompas.com and harian.disway.id.
According to Kompas.id, the SPPG allegedly allowed the fish to remain at room temperature before it was processed into MBG meals. This lapse in cold chain management is suspected to be a key factor in the contamination that led to the poisoning.
The BGN has not yet released an official conclusion on the exact cause of the outbreak, but the preliminary findings point to improper food handling procedures at the local kitchen. The agency's response includes both immediate oversight measures and potential long-term technological upgrades to prevent similar incidents.
The Karo case has raised broader questions about food safety standards within the national school meal program, which serves millions of students across Indonesia. The BGN's decision on whether to mandate test kits and CCTV in all SPPG locations will be a critical next step in restoring public confidence in the program.
