BGN Bans UPF and Spicy Flavors from MBG Menus During Ramadan

THE National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has prohibited nutrition service fulfillment units (SPPG) from using ultra-processed food (UPF) products in free nutritious meals (MBG) menus during Ramadan.

BGN Head Dadan Hindayana stated that the ban is contained in Circular Letter Number 3 of 2026, which governs the implementation of MBG during the month of Ramadan.

In the circular letter, Dadan said, beneficiaries will receive MBG menus in healthy packages that do not use manufactured UPF products. UPF refers to food produced through a series of industrial processes using additives such as preservatives, colorings, and flavorings. The purpose is to create food that is ready to eat, long-lasting, and easy to serve.

According to Dadan, some of the packaged menu items permitted in MBG include salted eggs, meat floss, dried jerky, fruit, and other local specialty foods.

“What is certain is that food safety, food quality, and nutritional standards according to the age group of beneficiaries must always be maintained,” said Dadan in an official statement on Saturday, 14 February 2026.

He added that in determining the MBG menu during Ramadan, BGN also urged SPPG not to serve food that spoils quickly, has a spicy flavor, or has the potential to cause food safety incidents.

The menu adjustments for MBG during Ramadan are being made alongside changes to the distribution scheme. During Ramadan, SPPG must provide long-lasting menu items so that fasting students can take the food home to eat at the time of breaking their fast.

Dadan affirmed that the MBG program will continue to operate, including during the Ramadan and Lunar New Year holidays. MBG distribution will only be temporarily halted during the Eid leave from 18-24 March 2026. However, as a substitute, distribution will be carried out earlier using bundled healthy packages. Bundled packages are a combination of MBG healthy packaged food sets for several days’ consumption delivered all at once.