Mass Food Poisoning and Discovery of High Nitrite Levels
The main issue that captured public attention is the mass food poisoning linked to the MBG (Meal for Better Growth) program in West Java. The largest case occurred in Bandung Barat Regency, with similar incidents also reported in Garut and Sukabumi.
Although reports from Sukabumi claimed that one victim died, the local Health Department later clarified that the cause of death was due to another illness.
An independent investigation team from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) concluded that the cause of poisoning affecting more than 1,300 people in Bandung Barat was high levels of nitrite found in leftover food samples, including melon and lotek (traditional vegetable salad).
The nitrite concentration was reported to be almost four times higher than the maximum limit allowed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. Due to this alarming finding, the Garut Regency Government officially declared the incident as an Extraordinary Occurrence (KLB).
Evaluation and Formation Mass Poisoning food of a Task Force
In response to the rising number of poisoning cases, the West Java Provincial Government (Pemprov Jabar) launched a comprehensive evaluation and improvement plan.
A special Task Force (Satgas MBG) was established to review all aspects of the program — from ingredient selection and cooking processes to the distribution of meals to beneficiaries.
The provincial government also presented several improvement proposals to the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), emphasizing the need for certification of Nutrition Service Units (SPPG) and the use of local ingredients to support the regional economy.
Interestingly, Pemprov Jabar once announced the reallocation of the MBG budget, halting a special fund of IDR 1 trillion from the regional budget (APBD). The funds were planned to be redirected toward road infrastructure projects, though this move did not affect the MBG budget from the central government.
Infrastructure and Program Implementation
Despite the food poisoning controversy, the MBG infrastructure development has continued in several areas.
West Java aims to build over 4,600 Nutrition Service Units (SPPG) across the province. Bandung Regency has been selected by the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Kemenkopolkam) as a national model for the MBG implementation.
However, concerns remain over the menu quality. Viral reports from Depok showed meals that were considered low in nutritional value, such as fried dumplings and boiled potatoes. School representatives later explained that the menu was designed according to parents’ feedback.
The MBG program also faced criticism from the Citizens’ Coalition Against MBG, which recorded thousands of poisoning cases nationwide, mostly in West Java. They argued that the program’s implementation was too centralized and lacked local adaptation.
Government’s Response about Mass Food Poisoning
In a recent statement, West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi emphasized that the provincial government remains committed to improving food safety and nutrition distribution.
He confirmed that the MBG Task Force will intensify inspections, enforce stricter quality control, and retrain food service personnel to prevent future incidents.
For further insights, watch the official statement in the video titled:
“Pemprov Jabar Forms MBG Task Force – Statement by Dedi Mulyadi.”
This video directly discusses the provincial government’s response to the MBG program challenges.
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