National Nutrition Agency Investigates Food Poisoning Case in Blora School

Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is launching an investigation into the cause of a food poisoning incident involving free nutritious meals (MBG) provided at a state elementary school in Blora. The incident affected 19 students at Sendangrejo Elementary School in Ngawen sub-district.

The students consumed the MBG meals on Monday, July 20, 2026, and subsequently experienced symptoms requiring treatment at the Ngawen Community Health Center's emergency unit. Fortunately, all affected students have been discharged and are reportedly recovering well, with no further symptoms observed.

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We will work with our colleagues at the Ministry of Health and colleagues at the health office at the location of the MBG poisoning.

Prima Yosephine Berliana Tumiur Hutapea, Deputy for Systems and Governance at BGN, stated that the agency will collaborate with the Ministry of Health and local health authorities to determine the exact cause. She expressed hope that the findings would lead to improvements in the management of the MBG program. The supplier of the meals, SPPG Bogowanti, has temporarily suspended its operations.

Initial findings from the Blora Health Office suggest that the poisoning may have resulted from improperly stored milk, which was part of the meal package. The menu also included white rice, seasoned eggs, stir-fried beans, carrots, corn, and grapes. The incident has drawn criticism from Yahya Zaini, Deputy Chairman of Commission IX of the DPR, who highlighted the perceived weakness in BGN's oversight of MBG suppliers, emphasizing the need for greater focus on quality and food safety.

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BGN should focus on quality, not just quantity.