Task Force: Cause of MBG South Aceh Poisoning Due to Bacterial Contamination

The Task Force for the Implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Programme in South Aceh District has revealed that the cause of student poisoning after consuming MBG menu items was bacterial contamination in the food. Task Force Chairman Diva Samudra Putra in South Aceh on Wednesday stated that the bacterial contamination was based on sample test results. “The sample test results from the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (POM) revealed student poisoning after consuming MBG Programme food that was contaminated with bacteria,” he said. Dozens of those students experienced symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, and abdominal pain. They were diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis (GEA). Due to the incident, the South Aceh District Health Office (Dinkes) categorised it as an Extraordinary Event (KLB). The MBG consumed by those dozens of schoolchildren came from the Ruang Kito Basamo Foundation through the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) of Gampong Ujung Padang Asahan, Pasie Raja Sub-district, South Aceh District. He mentioned that laboratory results showed microbial contamination in five examined food samples, such as Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella. “Those bacteria cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Laboratory examination results indicate that the food does not meet requirements,” said Diva Samudra Putra.