Food served under the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, which was allegedly linked to a food poisoning incident in East Jakarta on April 3, 2026. (Antara)
Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency has confirmed a food poisoning incident linked to the government’s Free Nutritious Meals programme in East Jakarta, leaving more than 70 teachers and students ill and prompting the suspension of a food preparation facility.
National Nutrition Agency (BGN) said it would cover all medical expenses for those affected following the incident, which occurred after meals were distributed to several schools in the area.
BGN Deputy Head for Public Communication and Investigations, Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, said the agency had taken immediate measures, including halting operations at the kitchen responsible for preparing the food.
Operations at the School Nutrition Service Unit (SPPG) kitchen in Pondok Kelapa have been suspended indefinitely after inspections revealed conditions that did not meet the required standards. The facility lacked essential infrastructure, including a proper wastewater treatment system, raising concerns over hygiene and food safety.
The incident was first reported on April 4 after a number of teachers and students experienced symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhoea and nausea after consuming meals distributed a day earlier. The menu reportedly included spaghetti Bolognese, meatballs, scrambled eggs, tofu, mixed vegetables and strawberries.
Preliminary findings suggest the food may not have been served under optimal conditions. A lengthy delay between the cooking process and distribution may have reduced food quality and increased the risk of contamination.
BGN said it would strengthen supervision and enforce stricter compliance with food safety standards at all kitchens participating in the programme.
Separately, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung confirmed that 72 people were receiving treatment at three hospitals.Speaking at Duren Sawit Regional Hospital, he said the meals had been distributed to four schools in East Jakarta, including one senior high school and three elementary schools.
He added that the Jakarta administration would coordinate closely with BGN and local health facilities to ensure proper treatment and monitoring for those affected.
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