DKI Provincial Government Enhances Preparedness for Extraordinary Food Poisoning Events

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is enhancing the preparedness of its apparatus, particularly in the health and education sectors, against extraordinary events (KLB) of food poisoning, which continue to pose a health challenge in Jakarta.

“Preparedness of the team during an incident is a crucial factor in the surveillance and response system for KLB food poisoning,” said the Head of Disease Prevention and Control, DKI Jakarta Health Office, Sri Puji Wahyuni, during an online seminar monitored in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Sri stated that every health service facility is expected to have a team ready to act swiftly, capable of timely reporting, and to handle cases in accordance with applicable standards and procedures.

This is being done in light of the recent food poisoning incident involving free nutritious meals (MBG) at several schools in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta. At least 72 people are suspected of being poisoned after consuming dishes from the MBG programme.

According to Sri, this incident highlights the need for preparedness, knowledge, competence, and information on food safety, early detection, epidemiological investigation, as well as rapid and coordinated case handling within the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government apparatus.

“MBG is not just about feeding children, but also about preparing and safeguarding the future of this nation. A single negligence in the meal preparation process can lead to hospitalisation or even death,” she said.

She reminded that the food preparation chain, from selecting fresh ingredients to processing, storage, distribution, and delivery to children, is crucial and must be a collective concern.