Suspected Triggers of Free Nutritious Meal Poisoning in Wates: Chicken and Hygiene

The Kulon Progo Health Office (Dinkes) has identified several suspected risk factors behind the mass food poisoning incident involving recipients of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme in Wates. Head of the Kulon Progo Health Office, dr. RR Susilaningsih, stated that the chicken menu is a primary suspect due to the long gap between cooking and consumption. “The chicken was cooked at 2:00 AM WIB and consumed 8 to 10 hours later, which poses a risk of bacterial growth,” she explained on Wednesday (22/7/2026).

Investigators also found potential hygiene issues during the multi-stage cooking process, which could have led to cross-contamination if food handlers lacked proper hygiene practices. Additionally, the investigation revealed incomplete use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by food handlers and suboptimal washing of cooking utensils. Susilaningsih noted a slight discrepancy in temperature monitoring of food storage, although she emphasised that these are still suspected risk factors and the exact cause of the poisoning has not been confirmed.

The incident affected 105 people, including 98 students from SMPN 3 Wates, four teachers, one pregnant woman, and two breastfeeding mothers. Two additional cases were later reported from SD Sogan and MI Ma’arif. The health office is currently awaiting laboratory results from food and vomit samples to determine the definitive cause of the outbreak.