Kediri City Government Investigates Reports of Food Poisoning in MBG Programme
Kediri (ANTARA) - The Kediri City Government in East Java is conducting an investigation into reports of food poisoning related to the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme at one of the city’s state elementary schools.
The Head of the Kediri City Development Planning Agency, who also serves as Secretary of the Task Force for Accelerating the Implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Programme, Ferry Djatmiko, stated in Kediri on Friday that the city government has followed up on the school’s report, and the Health Department has taken samples of the food.
“Examination results revealed the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, indicating that the food was unfit for consumption. The Task Force then immediately conducted an observation at the Tempurejo Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG),” Ferry said.
He emphasised that the students’ conditions are now under control. None of the children required inpatient treatment, and their conditions have improved. Additionally, local health centres have proactively conducted examinations.
He added that the Kediri City Government, along with the Task Force, is coordinating with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to conduct a thorough evaluation.
“We will tighten the standard operating procedures (SOP) for monitoring and evaluation, as indications of violations have been found. However, this programme remains beneficial and will continue to be overseen jointly,” he said.
“SOP violations were identified, particularly in the food processing time, which did not comply with regulations,” he stated.
He further noted that organoleptic testing had not been fully conducted at every stage.
According to him, such testing should be carried out after cooking, before distribution, and upon receipt, but the investigation revealed that some stages were skipped.
In the meantime, as a follow-up, operations at the Tempurejo SPPG in Pesantren Subdistrict, Kediri City, have been temporarily suspended for further evaluation.
“The Tempurejo SPPG has been temporarily closed, and distribution has been redirected to other SPPGs to ensure services continue,” he said.
The Kediri City SPPG Task Force has also assured that this incident will serve as material for evaluation to strengthen future oversight.
The public is urged to remain calm and not panic, as the handling has been carried out swiftly, measurably, and involving various relevant parties.
Meanwhile, the Head of Criminal Investigation at the Kediri City Police Resort, AKP Achmad Elyasarif Martadinata, stated that his unit is conducting an investigation.
“We are gathering statements from various parties. The current primary focus is monitoring the health conditions of the victims,” he said.
He added that further steps will be taken if indications of legal violations are found.
“If there are indications of violations, we will follow up in accordance with regulations,” he said.