BGN Orders Free School Meals to Be Consumed Within Four Hours

Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has mandated that meals under the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program be consumed within four hours of preparation to ensure food safety and quality. Sudaryono, the agency's chief, introduced labels on MBG meals stating their consumption deadline of four hours post-preparation. He urged both students and school staff to check these labels before eating the meals, emphasizing the importance of this simple yet crucial measure.

The four-hour limit is part of BGN's broader efforts to maintain both nutritional standards and food safety requirements for MBG meals.

Sudaryono also warned students against taking MBG meals home after receiving them, urging teachers to remind students of this policy. He explained that once meals are taken home, the agency cannot monitor their storage or consumption, which could lead to food deterioration and potentially increase the risk of food poisoning. The policy is a response to several food poisoning incidents involving parents who consumed MBG meals taken home by their children.

BGN has asked schools and teachers to remind students to adhere to the safety guidelines to ensure the meals remain safe and nutritious.