DistantNews
Support us
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Health & Science

Suspected MBG food poisoning affects 160 students in Tana Toraja, with 81 still hospitalized

From CNN Indonesia · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • A total of 160 students at two junior high schools in Tana Toraja reportedly developed health problems after eating food provided through the Free Nutritious Meals program.
  • Eighty-one students remained hospitalized across three hospitals, while 106 received outpatient treatment and went home.
  • Police are awaiting laboratory results from food samples as authorities examine possible negligence and review the program’s management.

The suspected food poisoning incident in Tana Toraja has affected 160 students, with 81 still receiving treatment at three hospitals, according to local authorities.

The students attend SMP Negeri 1 and SMP Negeri 2 Makale in South Sulawesi. They reportedly became ill after eating meals distributed on Wednesday through Indonesia’s Makan Bergizi Gratis, or Free Nutritious Meals, program. Rudy Andi Lolo, Tana Toraja’s regional secretary and head of the local MBG task force, said 106 other students received outpatient care and returned home.

Police are investigating what caused the suspected poisoning. Toraja Police Chief Budi Hermawan said investigators were waiting for the results of food-sample tests by Indonesia’s Food and Drug Authority. The inquiry will also examine whether negligence occurred during meal preparation.

We hope the victims recover as quickly as possible, so the investigation process can continue

· Budi HermawanThe Toraja police chief described the need to establish the cause of the suspected poisoning.

“We hope the victims recover as quickly as possible, so the investigation process can continue,” Budi said.

The national nutrition agency said it was conducting a comprehensive evaluation after reports of health problems linked to MBG meals in several areas. Agency chief Sudaryono said, “We are deeply affected, but we must not give up. God willing, we will improve all of its governance, regulations, financial arrangements and other aspects.” He said any criminal liability would depend on the findings of law enforcement, adding that some cases included in reports received by the agency had entered the investigation stage.

We are deeply affected, but we must not give up. God willing, we will improve all of its governance, regulations, financial arrangements and other aspects

· SudaryonoThe national nutrition agency chief addressed the wider review of the Free Nutritious Meals program.
About this summary

Originally published by CNN Indonesia in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

More Stories

From Our Blog