Suspected MBG Food Poisoning in Sorong, Food Samples Sent for Laboratory Testing in Makassar

SORONG, KOMPAS.com - Samples of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) menu from the Nutritional Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) Malaimsimsa Klabulu in Sorong City, Southwest Papua, have been sent to a laboratory in Makassar for testing.

This action follows reports that 26 students and five teachers from SMP Muhammadiyah Al-Amin experienced symptoms of dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea after consuming the MBG on Thursday (September 17, 2026).

Ruddy Laku, Head of the MBG Task Force in Sorong City, said the sample testing aims to determine the cause of the health disturbances experienced by the beneficiaries.

"Food samples from SPPG Malaimsimsa will be sent to a laboratory in Makassar for testing, so the cause of the incident can be confirmed based on the examination results," he said, as reported by Antara.

According to Ruddy, they have conducted inspections of SPPG Malaimsimsa covering equipment, food ingredients, processing methods, and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOP).

Based on statements from the person in charge of SPPG Malaimsimsa, the unit manages around 3,000 MBG portions distributed to 10 schools.

Out of these 10 recipient schools, nine others reportedly did not experience health symptoms like those suffered by the students and teachers of SMP Muhammadiyah Al-Amin.

26 Students and 5 Teachers Experience Digestive Disorders

Previously, a total of 26 students and five teachers from SMP Muhammadiyah Al-Amin showed symptoms of dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea after consuming MBG meals on September 17, 2026.

Of these 26 students, eight received further treatment at Sele Be Solu Hospital after being observed by medical teams.

The remaining 18 students received medication at school and were allowed to return home.

Ahmad Nausrau, Head of the MBG Task Force in Southwest Papua Province, stated that investigations into the cause of the incident are ongoing to identify the source of the problem.

"Examinations to determine the cause are still underway to confirm the source of the issue and to prevent similar incidents from recurring. The safety of beneficiaries is our top priority," he said.

SPPG Malaimsimsa Temporarily Suspended

The MBG Task Force of Southwest Papua Province supports the temporary suspension of the operational activities of SPPG Malaimsimsa Klabulu for evaluation following reports of digestive issues among beneficiaries.

Ahmad added that the temporary suspension is an official decision from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) that must be respected and implemented by the SPPG management.

"The letter from BGN is valid and must be executed. We do not tolerate SPPGs that violate regulations, especially if beneficiary safety is concerned," he stressed.

He explained that the temporary suspension of SPPG Malaimsimsa Klabulu's operations is stipulated in a letter from BGN addressed to the Head of the SPPG.

Ahmad said the suspension is part of an evaluation process to ensure all food safety protocols and MBG operational standards are met before the SPPG can resume activities.

The BGN letter states that the temporary suspension is a moderate sanction entailing the cessation of all operational rights for a maximum of 20 calendar days from the issuance of the letter.

During the suspension, the Head of SPPG along with foundation representatives are required to address all issues that may compromise food safety and beneficiary well-being.

"SPPGs under temporary suspension must fully comply with all recommended improvements before resuming operations," he emphasized.

Additionally, progress reports on these corrective measures must be submitted to the Head of SPPG every seven calendar days during the suspension period.

Ahmad underscored that the evaluation must be thorough and transparent, covering the entire food processing, storage, and distribution chain.

The task force will also continue to monitor the condition of beneficiaries experiencing digestive problems in collaboration with relevant parties.

He urged all SPPG managers in Southwest Papua to increase supervision of food safety standards to ensure the quality of meals distributed to beneficiaries remains guaranteed.