Kudus Health Office Recommends Monthly Laboratory Testing of SPPG Water Sources

Kudus (ANTARA) - The Kudus District Health Office in Central Java recommends that all Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) in Kudus Regency conduct monthly laboratory testing of water sources used for cooking and washing to ensure they are free from Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria.

“This is a precautionary step to prevent the recurrence of E. coli contamination cases in Kudus,” said the Head of the Kudus Regency Health Office, Abdul Hakam, in Kudus on Friday.

According to him, the food poisoning case involving the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) menu in early 2026, with laboratory tests showing E. coli in samples from one SPPG in Kudus, requires serious attention.

Regarding a new SPPG located near a final waste processing site (TPA), he said that according to Health Office regulations, all water sources must be free from contamination factors with a distance of at least 10 metres.

“Especially since it is close to the TPA, we have issued an official notice to that SPPG to find a safer location away from contamination factors, including livestock pens,” he stated.

Although there is this recommendation, he noted that the decision rests with the regional coordinator and the Head of the SPPG Task Force.

In addition to water sources, each SPPG is also asked to send food samples to the nearest community health centre (Puskesmas) to check if the menu is suitable.

“This is to ensure ideal quality checks, as we only act as verifiers and evaluators,” he said.

To keep MBG programme meals safe for students, Puskesmas staff also conduct periodic checks at SPPGs.

For the SPPG previously involved in the suspected poisoning case affecting students after consuming the meals, he suggested obtaining a Hygiene Sanitation Certificate (SLHS).

“For now, it is recommended not to operate. First, reapply for the SLHS,” he said.

He hopes all SPPGs will install surveillance cameras or closed-circuit television (CCTV) in line with the “Healthy Kudus” initiative, so that all have monitoring cameras for outgoing processes, with the final service photographed for control.

According to him, currently only five SPPGs have installed monitoring cameras, while the others have not.