To Prevent Spoilage, Central Java Deputy Governor Requests Timely Distribution and Consumption of Free Nutritious Meals

Semarang (ANTARA) - Central Java Deputy Governor Taj Yasin Maimoen has requested that the distribution and consumption of meals in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme be carried out on time to prevent food poisoning cases due to spoiled food. “Usually, poisoning occurs because the schedule is not properly arranged. This food has a consumption period, so it must be delivered on time and consumed immediately,” said the Deputy Governor in Demak Regency on Tuesday. The suspected food poisoning case in the MBG programme in Pilangwetan Village, Kebonagung Subdistrict, Demak Regency, has received special attention from the Central Java Provincial Government. The figure familiarly called Gus Yasin expressed concern over the incident affecting hundreds of beneficiaries, with indications that poisoning often relates to improper distribution time management. “Do not store the food first and eat it later,” said the Head of the Working Group (Pokja) for Accelerating the Implementation of the MBG Programme in Central Java. Furthermore, he assured that the government would not hesitate to impose sanctions on negligent MBG service providers in stages, from guidance to revocation of kitchen operational permits. “There have already been cases of kitchen closures in Central Java. This serves as a stern warning. The central government has also issued warnings, with stages of sanctions, even up to licence revocation,” he said. Previously, hundreds of students in Pilangwetan Village, Kebonagung Subdistrict, Demak Regency, were suspected of experiencing poisoning after consuming the MBG menu distributed on Saturday (18/4). Not only students, vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, nursing mothers, and toddlers (3B) were also affected, with the total number of victims estimated at 187 people. Until Monday (20/4), 68 people were undergoing inpatient treatment, while 66 others were receiving outpatient care with intensive monitoring. In response to the incident, the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) related to the case has been temporarily suspended and cordoned off by police. The local Health Office is also conducting laboratory tests to confirm the exact cause, while comprehensively evaluating food production facilities, including aspects of hygiene, environment, and human resource capacity.