August 13, 2025 | 09:08 am
Sragen Regent Sigit Pamungkas stated that the distribution of free nutritious meals (MBG) from the nutrition fulfillment service unit, or SPPG Mitra Mandiri 1 Gemolong, to schools has been suspended for two days. This decision was made in response to a mass food poisoning incident involving over 200 students and teachers who allegedly suffered from poisoning after consuming the MBG menu on Monday, August 11, 2025.
Sigit explained that following reports of a mass food poisoning case in the Gemolong area, the Sragen Regency government responded promptly by conducting an inspection of the related SPPG. "Yes, today we received reports that several students in elementary and junior high schools in Gemolong experienced symptoms such as nausea, severe abdominal pain, and vomiting. By this afternoon, the number of reported cases with these symptoms has reached 251," said Sigit on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
The inspection was carried out together with the Sragen Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkompimda). Sigit mentioned that they inspected the overall condition of the SPPG, including the process of providing MBG from the procurement of raw materials to serving the meals. The inspection was then extended to the schools to obtain information from the school and students.
"So, in light of these symptoms, we have made several decisions. Firstly, the distribution of free nutritious meals from the potential supplier believed to have caused this poisoning has been suspended for at least two days," he said.
Sigit explained that the two-day suspension was for the purpose of investigation and symptom observation. The symptoms experienced by the students generally appeared after some time. Sigit stated that they have reported the incident to the central authority.
"And, Mr. Dandim, we have also reported to the central MBG (National Nutrition Agency (BGN)) about what has happened in Sragen," said Sigit, accompanied by a number of officials from Forkompimda Sragen, including Lieutenant Colonel Ricky Julianto Wuwung, the Commander of the 0725/Sragen Military District.
Sigit added that the Sragen Regency government had also sent samples of the MBG menu from Monday, August 11, 2025 to the Central Java Provincial Laboratory in order to identify the main cause of the poisoning. "The menu included yellow rice, scrambled eggs, stir-fried tempeh, cucumber, and boxed milk. So, there were five items," said the regent.
According to him, it is necessary to thoroughly investigate the cause of the poisoning by sending food samples to the laboratory to determine whether it originated from the ingredients, serving process, or cooking process.
"So, we need to see this first. We cannot draw any specific conclusions right away. But the main point is that it's not just in Gemolong. MBG everywhere needs to be more stringent, more hygienic," he said.
Sigit claimed that the MBG system has supervisors who oversee the process and ensure that everything is in accordance with the standards. When asked about the condition of SPPG Mitra Mandiri 1 Gemolong, Sigit generally regarded it as good. However, he admitted that there were some notes, particularly regarding cleanliness.
"Based on what we've seen, there are a few areas that need to be improved, especially in terms of cleanliness. The tools need some improvement. But overall, it's good," he said.
Regarding the frequency of food poisoning cases in the Gemolong District, Sigit stated that they need to delve deeper into each case. However, he affirmed that there is no extraordinary event or outbreak related to this suspected mass poisoning from the MBG.
"Yes, in these cases we need to see case by case what the cause is, whether it needs to be viewed generically or specifically. There's no outbreak yet. What's important is the condition," he said.
Editor's Choice: 196 Students, Teachers in Central Java Suspected Poisoned by MBG Meals
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
196 Students, Teachers in Central Java Suspected Poisoned by MBG Meals
13 jam lalu
A suspected mass food poisoning linked to the free meal program (MBG) has sickened several students and teachers from two schools in Sragen.
Can the MBG Program Hit Its 20 Million Target with These Issues Still Unresolved?
3 hari lalu
MBG faces serious challenges, ranging from mass poisoning incidents to controversies over management and import policies for meal equipment.
BGN Rushes to Build 7,000 Kitchens to Hit Prabowo's 20 Million MBG Target
5 hari lalu
Prabowo aims to reach 20 million MBG recipients by August 2025, with BGN working to expand kitchens from 4,100 to at least 7,000.
List of Mass Poisonings After Eating Free Nutritious Meal Since January 2025
19 hari lalu
Cases of food poisoning suspected due to consuming meals from the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) continue to reoccur. Here's the list.
KPAI Speaks on Subpar Hygiene, Nutrition in Free Nutritious Meal Kitchens
20 hari lalu
KPAI has inspected a number of kitchens in various provinces and found that they have not been implementing proper food safety and hygiene standards.
140 Students in Kupang Suspected of Food Poisoning from Free Meal Program
20 hari lalu
140 SMPN 8 Kupang students were hospitalized with suspected food poisoning after consuming Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program meals.
9 Students Hospitalized Due to Suspected Food Poisoning of Free Nutritious Meal in Kupang
20 hari lalu
At least 9 students were hospitalized out of around 100 people suspected of being poisoned by free nutritious meal (MBG) at SMP Negeri 8 Kota Kupang.
Israeli PM Netanyahu Suffers Food Poisoning, Suspends Corruption Trial
21 hari lalu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suffered from food poisoning and will work from home for the next three days since Sunday.
Prabowo Vows Free Nutritious Meals for All Children by Year-End
21 hari lalu
Prabowo said only 6.7 million children are receiving the meals, citing regulatory and technical hurdles for the slow rollout.
Maggot Found in Students' Free Nutritious Meal; Nutrition Agency Responds
25 hari lalu
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) responded to reports of maggots found in the Free Nutritious Meal program at two schools in Tuban, East Java.
