Dinda Shabrina, Jakarta – The Ministry of Health emphasizes that the "extraordinary occurrence" status following mass poisoning cases due to the food nutritious meal program will not automatically result in program termination in all regions. The government will only terminate nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPG) proven to be the source of the food poisoning.
Inspector General of the Ministry of Health, Murti Utami, explained that the declaration of a food poisoning outbreak refers to Ministerial Regulation No. 2 of 2013, which outlines the required situation. An extraordinary occurrence of food poisoning occurs when two or more people suffer from similar symptoms after consuming food, and based on epidemiological analysis, the food is proven to be the source of the poisoning.
"The declaration of a food poisoning emergency is done through an epidemiological study, looking at the correlation of victims by place and time of occurrence, as well as the similarity of the food source causing the poisoning," said Murti in a written message on Friday, October 3, 2025.
Murti explained that there are two main criteria for declaring a food poisoning emergency. First, the examination shows the same toxic substance. Second, the similarity of the food poisoning source and conformity with the incubation period of the substance.
If a region declares a food poisoning emergency due to the free nutritious meals, Murti said the government will stop the direct source of the food risk and investigate the respective SPPG. However, the termination will not apply to the entire region.
"The MBG program is not automatically terminated in all schools in regions declaring a food poisoning emergency. Only problematic SPPGs will be temporarily suspended until they receive guidance and improve the proper and clean food management from the MBG," said Murti.
The central government, added Murti, is working to ensure the program continues with system improvements, without compromising the safety of student beneficiaries.