707 students and teachers suffer MBG poisoning, Semarang kitchen halted
Lab results in Semarang and Jayapura found E. coli contamination in several food items linked to the cases.
Badan Gizi Nasional has temporarily suspended operations at the Karangturi Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit in Semarang after 707 people were suspected of food poisoning from Makan Bergizi Gratis. The Semarang City Health Office said the victims included 693 students and 14 teachers at SMK Negeri 6 Semarang, who suffered dizziness, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea after eating MBG on July 31. Sudaryono said 13 people were treated at hospitals and community health centers. An initial BGN investigation pointed to ingredients such as cassava leaves and rendang seasoning, as well as cooking that was done too early. On August 5, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin and Sudaryono said laboratory results in the Semarang and Jayapura cases found Escherichia coli, or E. coli, in several food items.