Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) publicly apologized on Friday following a series of food poisoning cases linked to the government’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.

Deputy Head Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, holding back tears, admitted failures in supervision. 

“From the bottom of my heart, I apologize on behalf of BGN and all MBG providers. I am a mother, and seeing children carried into health centers is heartbreaking,” she said during a press conference in Jakarta, as reported by antaranews.com

She confirmed that about 80% of incidents stemmed from partners and internal teams failing to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs). The agency pledged full responsibility, including covering medical costs for affected children and parents.

Nanik stressed that stricter oversight will be enforced. Teachers and principals will be involved as front-line food inspectors, while MBG kitchens will face 24-hour public monitoring. 

“We will not tolerate any SOP violations in the future,” she said.

The agency will also train school staff to detect early signs of unsafe food and strengthen regular evaluations with local administrations and communities to prevent repeat incidents.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)