BGN Chief Apologises After 353 Students in Karo Suffer Food Poisoning from Free Nutritious Meal Programme
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has apologised for the food poisoning incident affecting 353 students in Berastagi District, Karo Regency, North Sumatra, after they consumed meals from the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme on Thursday, 13 August 2026.
The students were evacuated to several health facilities in Berastagi and Kabanjahe. They experienced a range of symptoms, from weakness to vomiting.
Head of BGN Sudaryono conveyed his apology to Karo Regent Antonius Ginting over the incident.
He acknowledged shortcomings in the implementation of the MBG service on the ground. The BGN will conduct a thorough evaluation to prevent similar incidents.
“I apologise for the poor performance of my staff in the field, but I ask the Regent to assist with the investigation as well,” Sudaryono said in his statement on Friday, 14 August 2026.
The BGN has begun an investigation to determine the cause of the health problems experienced by the students.
During the examination, operations at the MBG kitchen, or the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG), handling the food distribution have been temporarily suspended.
The head of the relevant SPPG has also been removed from his position.
“We are striving to improve the service,” he said.
The investigation into the food consumed by the students is being conducted together with the regional government. The examination is aimed at confirming the exact cause of the suspected poisoning.
Previously, North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution confirmed the latest number of MBG poisoning victims had reached 353 students as of Friday, 14 August 2026.
One victim even had to be referred to a hospital in Medan for intensive care in the ICU. Nevertheless, the students’ conditions are reported to be improving.
The affected students come from five schools: SMA Negeri 1 Berastagi, SMA Swasta Bersama, SMK Swasta Bersama, SMP Negeri 3 Kabanjahe, and SMP Swasta Bersama.
Symptoms began to be felt by students on Thursday afternoon, after they consumed the MBG meals.
The symptoms varied. Students were reported to have experienced weakness, vomiting, and itching in the mouth and hands. In the most severe cases, some students experienced shortness of breath.
Head of Regional Branch Office IV Zulkarnain Barus previously stated that the food distributed under the MBG programme that day consisted of dencis fish curry, cabbage, and carrots.