BBPOM Mataram Prepares Rapid Tests to Ensure Food Safety for MBG Menu Competition

“We are ready to support the competition through oversight of the safety of raw materials used by the SPPG, as well as the provision of rapid test kits.”

Mataram (ANTARA) — The Mataram Centre for Drug and Food Control (BBPOM) is preparing rapid test kits to support food safety supervision during the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) menu competition on Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).

Head of BBPOM Mataram Yogi Abaso said the rapid test kits are being prepared to carry out swift checks on food safety aspects throughout the competition.

“We are ready to support the competition through oversight of the safety of raw materials used by the SPPG, as well as the provision of rapid test kits,” he said in a statement in Mataram on Tuesday.

Yogi stressed that food safety oversight is essential so that the menus served by the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) not only meet nutritional requirements but are also safe to consume.

“We hope food safety aspects can be applied optimally throughout the competition,” Yogi said.

The MBG programme menu competition, organised by the NTB Provincial Government, is scheduled for 22 August 2026.

The event will be contested by selected SPPGs representing areas across Lombok Island as part of the series of events marking the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence.

Assistant II for Economic and Development Affairs at the NTB Provincial Regional Secretariat, Fathul Gani, emphasised the importance of synergy and collaboration among all stakeholders in making the competition a success.

He hopes the event will serve not only as a platform for showcasing creativity in composing nutritious menus, but also as a means of educating the public about the importance of food safety as an inseparable part of nutrition fulfilment.