Mass Food Poisoning Incident in MBG Programme in Sidoarjo: Zulhas Issues Stern Warning

The Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme has come under scrutiny after more than 500 students in Sidoarjo, East Java, suffered health issues after consuming meals provided under the initiative.

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, or Zulhas, emphasised that the government will not tolerate managers of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) who are proven negligent in ensuring that food provided to beneficiaries remains safe and fit for consumption.

“There must be no tolerance for irresponsible officers,” said Zulhas during the book launch of ‘Indonesian Food: From Healthy Plates to Superior Humans’ at the Jakarta International Convention Centre (JICC), Jakarta, on Friday (4/9/2026).

Zulhas highlighted the issue of food distribution timing in the Sidoarjo case. According to him, food cooked in the early morning should be delivered and consumed promptly according to the schedule. Delays in distribution can lead to a decline in food quality and increase the risk of health complications.

“The food is cooked at 5:30 or 6:00 AM. It should be eaten by 10:00 or 11:00 AM, and delivered by 11:00 AM,” he explained.

Food safety issues within the MBG programme must not be treated as mere administrative errors. If intentionality or serious negligence is discovered, the government is urged to take decisive action against those responsible.

“Strict action must be taken; they should be dismissed if it is found to be intentional,” said Zulhas.

The Sidoarjo case previously prompted the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to take action against the SPPG providing the meals. The Sidoarjo Talangangin Kalitengah SPPG has been handed a heavy 30-day suspension following the food safety incident at the Manbaul Hikam Islamic Boarding School in Tanggulangin, Sidoarjo.

The government has also begun tightening supervision of SPPG managers. As of 26 August 2026, it was recorded that 249 SPPG heads have been dismissed due to various violations, ranging from food poisoning cases and absenteeism for more than 10 days to disciplinary issues.

During the same period, the BGN noted that 27,485 SPPGs are currently operational. The government is continuing to restructure kitchen profiles, beneficiary data, and compliance with standard operating procedures.