BGN Enhances Oversight of Air Asuk SPPG in Anambas

Natuna (ANTARA) - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is enhancing oversight of the Air Asuk SPPG in Anambas Islands Regency, Riau Islands, after borax and E. coli bacteria were found in meals served for the Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG).

The BGN Coordinator for Anambas Islands Regency, Sahril, confirmed from Natuna on Monday that the nutrition fulfilment service unit (SPPG) can resume operations once all stipulated standards are met. One of the requirements is renewing the Sanitation Hygiene Certification (SLHS).

“We are also emphasising that the SPPG must increase supervision and make improvements in meeting BGN standards,” he said.

He explained that on Wednesday (15/4), an extraordinary event (KLB) in the form of food poisoning affected the beneficiaries of the MBG Programme in the Air Asuk area.

To identify the cause of the poisoning, he said, the Anambas Islands Regency Government conducted testing using a sanitary kit (rapid test) and sent MBG meal samples to the Batam BPOM for laboratory testing.

“The results of the Natuna Regency Health Office test from leftover food samples showed borax content ranging from 100-5,000 milligrams. Meanwhile, the BPOM results detected E. coli,” he stated.

He explained that the rapid test results were available on 15 April, while the laboratory test results were received on 28 April 2026. However, the exact cause of the clean water and meal contamination remains unknown to this day.

“The cause will still be investigated further,” he said.