BGN temporarily shuts Semarang MBG kitchen after 700 students affected

The National Nutrition Agency temporarily suspended operations at a Free Nutritious Meals Program kitchen in Semarang after about 700 students were reported affected by suspected food poisoning. BGN head Sudaryono visited students being treated at Rumah Sakit Panti Wiloso Citarum in Semarang and said 13 children were still receiving care at hospitals and community health centers, with their condition described as improving. The preliminary investigation points to several ingredients, including cassava leaves and rendang seasoning, which are now being tested by the Health Office laboratory. BGN also suspects the food was cooked too early, causing its quality to decline before it was distributed to some schools. The lab results are expected in five to seven days. As a preventive step, BGN is accelerating a digital system to record the cooking and serving process at MBG kitchens.