The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has decided to temporarily stop the operations of its Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) after finding substandard food in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program. The Special Staff to the BGN, Redy Hendra Gunawan, confirmed this action in Jakarta, stating that the affected SPPG units will remain closed until the investigation is completed and the food samples from the MBG are thoroughly examined in the laboratory. BGN is collaborating with independent institutions, local health departments, and education departments to investigate the root cause of the issue while ensuring the health of the affected students. Apologies were extended from BGN to the students, parents, schools, and all impacted parties, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for negligence in food procurement and distribution that could endanger the beneficiaries’ health. The agency is working with local government authorities to quickly and effectively address the situation on the ground. Redy highlighted that lessons from this incident will guide future improvements in the program, including screening partners more rigorously, enforcing higher hygiene standards, enhancing food quality monitoring, and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) based on expert advice. BGN is dedicated to upholding food safety standards and delivering the benefits of the MBG Program without compromising health, with the support and vigilance of all stakeholders.
BGN Suspends Nutrition Services in East Nusa Tenggara
