BGN takes steps to temporarily halt 240 problematic MBG kitchens
Bogor Regency (ANTARA) - Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, revealed that his agency has temporarily halted operations at around 240 Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) units in various regions because they have not yet met the established standards.
“Now there are about 240 that we have suspended or temporarily halted, because there are matters that must be fulfilled,” Dadan said after inaugurating an SPPG in Citaringgul, Babakan Madang Subdistrict, Bogor Regency, West Java, on Monday.
He explained that several SPPG units must improve their Sertifikat Laik Higiene Sanitasi (SLHS) certificates issued by the Health Service. In addition, there are kitchens that need modifications to prevent potential cross-contamination in the food processing process.
“There are also those whose rooms must be modified so as not to be cross-contaminated, and some rooms are too small,” he stated.
Dadan emphasised that the SLHS certificate is a mandatory requirement for all SPPG units implementing the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) Programme.
“Mandatory, because it is one part of the SPPG issued by the Health Service,” he said.
He mentioned that SPPG operations can be temporarily halted if the certificate has not been issued within one month.
“Usually, after one month if the SLHS has not been issued, the operations will be temporarily halted,” Dadan said.
Nevertheless, BGN continues to enhance the quality and effectiveness of MBG Programme services nationwide.
Dadan noted that to date, there are 28,390 SPPG units throughout Indonesia serving around 62 million beneficiaries.
“Alhamdulillah, today we are inaugurating the SPPG in Citaringgul and the 14th SPPG in Babakan Madang Subdistrict,” he said.
On that occasion, Dadan also mentioned that students’ enthusiasm for the MBG Programme is quite high. In fact, there are students who have started to like vegetables after participating in the programme.
“Even some who did not like vegetables now like them, I think this is a good trend,” Dadan said.