Magetan Regional Authority Intensifies Operational Oversight of Free Nutrition Programme Food Services
Magetan — The Regional Environmental and Food Services Office (DLHP) of Magetan Regency, East Java, has intensified oversight of Nutrition Service Fulfillment Units (SPPG) in its jurisdiction to ensure that meals provided under the Free Nutrition Programme (MBG) meet food safety and quality standards.
Saif Muchlisun, Head of the DLHP, stated on Sunday that in accordance with the National Nutrition Board’s mandate, regional authorities have a critical role in implementing the MBG programme locally.
“The regional government’s important role in MBG includes monitoring kitchen operations (SPPG), conducting spot checks and menu inspections, ensuring use of local foodstuffs, and overseeing food safety through monitoring of hygiene and nutritional quality,” Saif said.
“The regional authority is also authorised to send closure recommendations to the National Nutrition Board if kitchen conditions are found to be poor, unhygienic, or have caused food poisoning cases,” he added.
Accordingly, the office is working alongside relevant agencies, including the Magetan Regional Health Office, to ensure that SPPG units operate optimally in accordance with applicable regulations so that the MBG programme in Magetan runs smoothly.
Rohmat Hidayat, Head of the Magetan Health Office, stated that 55 of the total 60 SPPG units currently hold Hygiene and Sanitation Compliance Certificates (SLHS) and approval permits for spatial utilisation alignment (PKKPR).
Through personnel at each community health centre, the office conducts regular environmental inspection surveys to monitor kitchen cleanliness during operations in accordance with standards.
“Our expectation for SPPG units, particularly nutritionists, is that they regularly consult with the Health Office so that they can produce MBG menus in accordance with National Nutrition Board standards,” Rohmat said.
Dyah Putri Kustia Dewi, Magetan Regency’s MBG Programme Regional Coordinator, stated readiness to collaborate with regional authorities, foundations and partners in determining menus and food quality compliance for the MBG.
“We are also ensuring that all SPPG units in Magetan source supplies and raw materials from local suppliers within Magetan Regency,” she said.
Through these efforts, the MBG programme not only targets nutrition provision for children, pregnant women and nursing mothers in efforts to combat stunting, but also stimulates local economic activity through development of supply chains.