August 8, 2026 | 07:44 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) plans to mark the consumption time limit for free nutritious meals (MBG). BGN Head Sudaryono stated that the label is intended to prevent MBG consumption beyond the safe time limit.
He cited an example: during a surprise inspection in Bogor, West Java, a child brought home an MBG tray, locally known as ompreng. When asked, the child said that they wanted to eat the MBG burger with their mother at home.
"It's sad, but for the sake of food safety and preventing food poisoning, this is also important," Sudaryono said in a press conference at the BGN office on Friday, August 7, 2026.
Therefore, he continued, going forward, the Prabowo Subianto government's flagship project will include a consumption time limit label on each ompreng.
"If it's past the time limit, it's best not to eat it. It must be eaten before the time limit," said the Gerindra Party politician.
The MBG project has again come under scrutiny after hundreds of people in Jayapura, Papua, experienced symptoms of food poisoning after consuming MBG meals.
Trenggono, Deputy Head of BGN, stated that food poisoning that affected 219 people originated from undercooked tempeh bacem (braised tempeh).
"Initial investigations point to a suspected decline in the quality of one of the dishes, namely, tempeh bacem," Trenggono said in a written statement on Friday, August 7, 2026.
According to him, all victims have received medical attention at various healthcare facilities. As of 3:45 p.m. local time, 83 patients were being treated at Yowari Regional Hospital.
Furthermore, 61 patients were being treated at the Depapre Community Health Center (puskesmas), 14 at Puskesmas Sentani, two at Puskesmas Komba, one at Puskesmas Kampung Harapan, four at the Jayapura Dok II Hospital, 24 at the Abepura Hospital, 21 at the Ministry of Health Hospital, and 20 at the Dian Harapan Hospital.
Of these, eight patients have been discharged due to improving health conditions. Meanwhile, three patients were referred from Yowari Regional Hospital to the Ministry of Health Hospital for further treatment.
Previously, an MBG food poisoning case also occurred in Semarang, Central Java. BGN stated that it has suspended the kitchen and is working to implement a zero-tolerance policy for MBG poisoning.
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