Lab Results for Free Nutritious Meal Samples Linked to 352 Student Poisonings Pending

The Central Lombok Health Office in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is still awaiting laboratory test results from the Mataram Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) regarding the cause of food poisoning involving 352 students in Batukliang District. The poisoning is suspected to have originated from the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme distributed by the Mekar Bersatu Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) in Central Lombok on Friday (11/09/2026).

“The results have not been released yet. We are still waiting for BPOM,” said the Head of the Central Lombok Health Office, Dr Mamang Bagiansyah, on Monday (14/09/2026).

Dr Mamang explained that all food samples suspected of triggering the student poisonings have been secured and submitted to BPOM Mataram for testing. He noted that laboratory results typically take a maximum of one week to be released.

“Usually, it takes a maximum of one week from the submission of samples for the results to emerge,” he emphasised.

The Health Office has requested that the public remain patient while awaiting the laboratory findings. Meanwhile, he stated that teams have been deployed to visit the SPPG and ensure that all victims are being properly managed.

Previously, 352 students from several primary schools in Batukliang District, Central Lombok, were suspected victims of poisoning from the MBG menu. Most have recovered and have been permitted to return home. This figure represents the number of victims detected to date. The students were previously rushed to several community health centres (Puskesmas) after experiencing symptoms such as vomiting and dizziness on Friday (11/09/2026) afternoon.