BGN closes 1,300 SPPG and evaluates food poisoning

Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Sudaryono has closed 1,300 Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) that did not meet food safety standards during his tenure leading the agency responsible for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme.

“If they do not meet the standards in my system, then with a heavy heart I must close them permanently,” said Sudaryono in Jakarta on Monday.

The firm action was taken by BGN to evaluate the food poisoning case in Berastagi and to maintain the quality of nutritional fulfilment for children in Indonesia.

He said that organoleptic testing in the form of smell and taste checks alone is not sufficient to detect contamination by hazardous chemicals in food.

Therefore, BGN plans to provide chemical test kit facilities in every SPPG kitchen to detect toxins such as arsenic and food spoilage.

The method of using the test kits was adopted from the success of SPPGs managed by Bhayangkari Polri, which have recorded zero poisoning cases.

In addition to closing kitchen operations, firm action will also be applied to BGN personnel who are unable to carry out the established work standards.

“And for personnel who cannot follow the high standards I have, I apologise but I must remove them or dismiss their ASN PPPK status,” he stressed.

Sudaryono emphasised that this enforcement aims to protect other SPPG partnerships that have been performing their duties excellently so far.

Meanwhile, regarding the continuation of the incentive of Rp6 million per day for SPPGs, BGN stated that it is still conducting further evaluation.