Viral Raw Catfish in Free Nutritious Meal Programme Rejected by School in Pamekasan

A video of a school rejecting a free nutritious meal package (MBG) has gone viral on social media. Officials at State Senior High School 2 (SMAN 2) Pamekasan refused to distribute the food, citing safety concerns about its suitability for students.

According to detikJatim on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, the rejection occurred on Monday, 9 March. The rejected menu was intended to cover three days of MBG provisions: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

The meal package, sent from the SPPG kitchen, contained two pieces of tempeh, two pieces of tofu, and one live catfish still in its raw state. School representatives explained that the condition of the live catfish raised concerns it would deteriorate rapidly.

“This live catfish is estimated to spoil around midday and could contaminate other food items. We sincerely apologize to the kitchen staff, but the school must prioritize student safety,” a school representative stated in the video.

The video footage clearly showed the catfish in raw condition, with its whiskers intact. This became the primary reason the school deemed the food unsuitable for distribution to students.

The MBG originated from the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) of Yayasan As-Salman Buddagan. The organization provided clarification regarding the rejection. Fikri Muttawakil, a nutritionist at SPPG Yayasan As-Salman Buddagan, confirmed that the school had rejected the menu, specifically objecting to the catfish preparation.

“The catfish in question is marinated catfish,” Fikri clarified in a follow-up video statement.