The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has decided to temporarily halt the operations of its Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) after discovering substandard food in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program. Redy Hendra Gunawan, Special Staff to the BGN, announced in Jakarta that the affected SPPG units will remain closed until the investigation is completed and the MBG food samples are thoroughly tested in the laboratory. BGN is working closely with independent institutions, local health and education departments to determine the cause of the incident and to monitor the health status of affected students. The agency expresses its sincere apologies to the students, parents, schools, and all parties involved, emphasizing zero tolerance for negligence in providing MBG meals that could jeopardize the health of recipients. BGN is collaborating with local government authorities to ensure a swift and effective response on the ground. The agency is implementing corrective measures such as stricter partner screening, enhanced hygiene standards, improved supply chain and food quality monitoring, and developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) based on industry best practices. The goal is to maintain food safety standards and deliver the intended benefits of the MBG Program without compromising health. Through the support and vigilance of all stakeholders, BGN believes the program can continue to effectively serve the people.
