Addressing Food Poisoning Incidents in MBG Programme, Zulhas: Give Us Two Months
The Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, has requested that the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme be improved over the next two months. A primary concern is the discipline within the food distribution process to ensure that no further food poisoning incidents occur.
“Regarding the MBG, give us two months; we will resolve it. The issue is that while the kitchens are good and everything else is fine, it is a matter of culture. It is about culture,” Zulhas told reporters in Bandar Lampung on Saturday (5/9/2026).
Zulhas stated that issues in the execution of the MBG programme are not always related to the condition of the kitchens. According to him, negligence after the food has finished cooking can also trigger problems, including the risk of poisoning.
He cited an example where food that has been cooked should be sent immediately to the recipients. However, if delays occur for several hours, the food may no longer be safe for consumption.
“For instance, if it is cooked and should be sent at 6:00 am, but due to waking up late, it is only sent at 11:00 am, that leads to poisoning,” he said.
Zulhas assessed that these issues are human errors that must be handled firmly. He demanded that there be no tolerance for parties found to be negligent in executing MBG procedures.
“This is purely human error, which could be due to negligence or intentionality. I request that strict action be taken. There must be no tolerance,” he asserted.
According to Zulhas, the government has also identified issues in the food distribution process, such as food being placed in locations that do not comply with regulations.
“There are also instances where distribution involves leaving food haphazardly. This involves many of our habits, as this programme concerns 60 million people. This is what we are currently regularising,” he said.
He noted that inspections of MBG kitchens have actually shown them to be in good condition. However, problems arise when cooked food is not dispatched promptly.
“It has been checked, and the kitchens are good. But the issue is that once cooking is finished, it must be sent, yet it is not sent,” he added.
Consequently, Zulhas has demanded that Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) proven to be negligent be replaced. He insisted that not only the SPPG, but any other involved parties found to be undisciplined, must face sanctions. “Replace them. The SPPG, and whoever else is involved—replace them,” he stated firmly.