BPOM identifies SOP violations causing MBG food poisoning

The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) has identified violations of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) as a primary cause of food poisoning incidents within the MBG program in several regions. Investigations revealed that food was being produced too long before being served to beneficiaries.

BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar stated that some food production cycles far exceeded the recommended four-hour window. In one instance, food produced at 1:00 AM was not served until 12:00 PM, leading to spoilage. Field inspections also found samples containing aflatoxins due to degradation during storage.

As a result, BPOM is recommending sanctions for Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) that fail to adhere to safety protocols, ranging from suspension to potential closure.