How Far Along Is Indonesia's Food Spoilage Scanner for Free Meals?
Indonesia's MBG food spoilage scanner remains at the prototype stage as BGN and BRIN assess its technology, cost and potential for mass production.
The Indonesian National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is developing a food spoilage scanner for the government's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, but the prototype is still in testing and refinement, and not yet ready for mass production. BGN Chief Sudaryono stated that the agency is collaborating with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to further develop the prototype and evaluate its potential for large-scale production.
Currently, the device is in the prototype stage and requires assessment regarding mass production, cost, and availability. It is uncertain whether the scanners will be installed at every MBG school. The scanner operates on a system similar to a vapor sensor, capturing and analyzing chemicals in food vapor to identify signs of spoilage.
However, nutritionist Tan Shot Yen raised concerns about the scanner's ability to detect food poisoning, as it only identifies spoiled food and not contaminants like E. coli or salmonella. BRIN Chief Arif Satria confirmed that the technology still needs one more stage of refinement. The authorities have not announced a timeline for the scanner's deployment or its availability for mass production.
Written by urgent.news from Tempo.co English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
