The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has decided to temporarily halt the operations of its Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) following the discovery of substandard food in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program. Redy Hendra Gunawan, Special Staff to the BGN, stated in Jakarta on July 28 that the affected SPPG units will remain closed until the investigation is complete and MBG food samples are thoroughly tested in the laboratory. BGN has initiated a collaboration with independent institutions, local health and education departments, to investigate the root cause of the issue and closely monitor the health status of affected students.
Expressing apologies on behalf of the National Nutrition Agency, Redy extended sympathies to the students, parents, schools, and all parties impacted by the incident. He stressed the agency’s zero-tolerance policy towards negligence in procuring and distributing MBG meals that could endanger the beneficiaries’ health, reaffirming that the well-being of MBG recipients remains the top priority. BGN is actively working with local government authorities to ensure a prompt and effective response on the ground.
In an effort to address the issue and prevent future occurrences, corrective measures are being implemented. These include stricter partner assessment and regular evaluation of food providers, enhanced hygiene standards, improvements in the supply chain and food quality monitoring, and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) based on industry best practices and expert recommendations. Redy acknowledged that this incident will serve as a valuable lesson for future enhancements to the program.
Assuring full commitment to upholding food safety standards and ensuring the MBG Program delivers its intended benefits without compromising health, Redy emphasized the importance of stakeholders’ support and vigilance in maintaining the program’s effectiveness.
