Toraja Utara students and teachers suspected of mass food poisoning

Dozens of students and staff members at SMAN 3 Toraja Utara in North Toraja are suspected of suffering from food poisoning. Approximately 74 individuals, including 68 students, five teachers, and one staff member, reported symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting on Thursday, October 8, 2026.

The victims were taken to the Rante Pangli Community Health Center (Puskesmas) for medical treatment. While many have since been discharged with medication, officials are investigating the cause. Some reports suggest the symptoms occurred after consuming the 'Makan Bergizi Gratis' (MBG) menu provided by the Palawa Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG), which included rice, chicken, vegetables, long beans, bitter melon, and melon.

However, the head of SMAN 3 Toraja Utara, Lukas Tandibadoang, noted that the mass illness occurred around 10:00 WITA, prior to the scheduled 12:00 WITA delivery of the MBG meals, meaning a direct link to the program has not yet been confirmed. Salvius Pasang, the North Toraja Regional Secretary and head of the MBG Task Force, stated that food samples have been sent to the Makassar Food and Drug Monitoring Center (BBPOM) for laboratory testing.