Alleged Free Nutritious Meal Poisoning Cases in Toraja Increase, Total Reaches 173 Students
The number of suspected food poisoning cases involving the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, affecting more than one hundred junior high school students in Tana Toraja Regency, South Sulawesi, continues to rise. As of the time of writing, a total of 173 individuals have recorded symptoms of digestive disorders and are receiving treatment at various health facilities.
“The latest data as of 20:30 WITA records that 165 people are undergoing examination and treatment in three hospitals,” said the Regional Secretary of Tana Toraja and Chairman of the MBG Task Force, Rudy Andi Lolo, on Friday (4/9).
At RSGK Toraja, 50 patients are being treated, consisting of 8 inpatients and 42 outpatients. “One patient who was previously an outpatient has been readmitted for further examination,” he added.
Meanwhile, RSUD Lakipadada recorded 84 patients, comprising 5 inpatients and 79 outpatients, while RS Fatima has 31 patients, with 6 receiving inpatient care and 25 as outpatients. Additionally, 8 individuals are receiving treatment at several community health centres (Puskesmas), specifically in Rembon, Batusura, and Makale.
“Thus, the total number of residents experiencing digestive symptoms and receiving treatment in hospitals and health centres has reached 173 people,” said Rudy. However, he noted that the exact cause of the health issues still needs to be confirmed through further investigation, as authorities await results from the Food and Drug Authority (BPOM).
Previously, the Batupapan 01 Makale Nutrition Fulfilment Service Centre (SPPG), which caused 160 students from SMP Negeri 1 and SMP Negeri 2 Makale to fall ill after consuming meals from the MBG programme, was sanctioned with a temporary suspension of operations. Rudy Andi explained that the decision to suspend the facility was the result of a hearing with members of the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), the MBG Task Force, and relevant agencies.
He further explained that the SPPG in question serves 2,210 beneficiaries, including four kindergartens, four primary schools, two junior high schools, and two integrated health posts (Posyandu).
Separately, the Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan, known as Zulhas, has threatened to dismiss SPPG staff and kitchen workers responsible for the programme who fail to handle food properly. This threat comes amidst rising reports of suspected poisoning following MBG consumption in several regions, including Tana Toraja.
Zulhas highlighted the critical window between the completion of cooking and the time of consumption. He stated that food cooked in the morning should be distributed immediately to avoid prolonged transit or storage times. “There must be no tolerance for irresponsible officers. If food is cooked at 5:30 AM, it should be eaten by 10:00 or 11:00 AM. It should be sent by 11:00 AM,” Zulhas said at the JCC Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday.
Zulhas asserted that strict sanctions must be imposed on staff who mishandle MBG meals, noting that dismissal could be implemented, especially if violations are found to be intentional. “Be firm; they should be dismissed. If it is intentional, they must be prosecuted,” said the Chairman of the PAN party.