BGN Urges Public to Return Unfit Free Nutritious Meals
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sudaryono, has urged anyone receiving unfit food from the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme not to consume it and to return it immediately to the Nutritional Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG).
Sudaryono, commonly known as Mas Dar, stressed the importance of food safety supervision at every stage of the MBG programme’s implementation, including when the food arrives and is about to be consumed at educational units.
‘If it is found to be unfit, for example if the side dish, vegetables, fruit or rice smells off, even if it is just the vegetables, the entire meal must not be consumed,’ he said during a webinar on Nutrition Literacy and Food Safety for Teachers in support of the MBG Programme, followed in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He asserted that food inspection by teachers is a crucial part of ensuring food safety before the MBG meals are consumed by students. According to him, food found to be in an unsatisfactory condition must be handled comprehensively and must not be partially consumed.
If a meal is deemed unfit, the entire portion must be returned to the MBG kitchen for further examination and investigation. This step is necessary to prevent potentially hazardous food from being consumed by students or teachers.
‘If it is found to be unfit, it is mandatory not to consume it and to return it to the SPPG, after which we will conduct an inspection,’ he said.
He continued that food safety is the top priority in the implementation of the MBG programme. Food must be confirmed safe before consumption; therefore, teachers are encouraged to play a role in organoleptic checks by observing the food’s condition before eating it with the students.
BGN also emphasised that strict action will be taken against SPPGs if negligence occurs that impacts food safety. This measure is part of the commitment to strengthen supervision and ensure that the MBG programme prioritises the health, safety, and security of all beneficiaries.