August 27, 2025 | 03:56 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Head of Indonesian Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) Taruna Ikrar revealed that initial reports alleging the use of pork oil in the food trays for the government’s free nutritious meal (MBG) program first surfaced on TikTok.
The information was relayed to him by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto.
“The TikTok link was directly sent to me by Pak Menko Perekonomian,” Taruna said during a press briefing at the BPOM office in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
Following the tip, BPOM announced plans to conduct laboratory tests on MBG food containers to verify the allegations. “This has become a matter of national concern,” Taruna stressed.
According to him, BPOM will apply two methods of testing. The first involves swab sampling, with DNA analysis to detect traces of pig DNA. The same tests will also determine whether the food trays contain animal-derived compounds such as gelatin or glycerin.
The second method focuses on testing the metal material of the containers. For this, BPOM will coordinate with the Ministry of Industry, which has specialized facilities for material testing.
Taruna declined to disclose the origin of the container samples that BPOM will examine. He emphasized that the agency’s mandate is limited to monitoring food safety standards in the MBG program’s distribution.
Meanwhile, Head of the National Nutrition Agency Dadan Hindayana confirmed that his agency is also tracing the reports of pork oil in MBG food trays. He clarified that the agency was not involved in procuring the food trays. “We are currently studying this issue,” Dadan said in a written statement on Wednesday.
Earlier, an investigation by the Indonesia Business Post reported irregularities in the production of MBG food trays at 30-40 factories in Chaoshan, Guangdong Province, China. The report alleged falsification of “Made in Indonesia” labels and the misuse of the SNI (Indonesian National Standard) logo.
The food trays were also suspected of containing high levels of manganese, making them unsafe for acidic foods. In addition, the report suggested possible use of pork oil or lard during production.
Dinda Shabrina contributed to the writing of this article.
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